Secretin Therapy

What is it?
Secretin is a hormone that is used to cause a release of another hormone (cholecystokinin, CCK) in the body and increase the carbon dioxide status of the intestine to assist absorption of fats using other pancreatic enzymes. In addition, it is known that Secretin receptors exist in the brain and on the white blood cells. It is not known if changes in the intestine affect central nervous system reactions.

Why does it work in autism?
In patients who respond it causes changes in serotonin levels in the brain and also influences tyrosine hydroxylase which causes an increase in another neurotransmitter dopamine. What actions these may have directly is unknown.

Are there side effects?
Generally no. Hyperactivity has been reported in 30% of children 1-7 days after receiving Secretin. This may coincide with behavioral and cognitive improvements. Otherwise, only a mild non-itchy rash has been seen.

What can you expect?
We're not quite sure. Patients have reported to us improvements in speech (to the extent of having speech when none was present before). Potty training has occurred in children who have not been potty trained previously and there has been cessation of diarrheal stools with normally formed ones. There have been behavioral improvements with improved eye contact and lessening of aggressive behavior. What is the percentage? We have seen a 70% positive response and 40% of those have been dramatic responses.
We have seen results in 1-14 days that last for about 6 weeks. No primary regressions have been reported. We are now using a gel form of human Secretin only.