Diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI1-86) has recently been isolated in search for a cholecystokinin (CCK)-releasing peptide in the duodenum that is responsible for the feedback regulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion. Synthetic porcine DBI1-86 stimulates CCK release in vivo and in vitro from isolated intestinal mucosal cells. We postulated that DBI intraduodenally releases CCK in a paracrine fashion and might be the missing link in the feedback regulation of exocrine pancreatic secretion. Somatostatin, peptide YY (PYY) and taurocholate are known to inhibit feedback-stimulated CCK release in the rat. In this study, we investigated the effect of somatostatin, PYY and taurocholate on DBI-stimulated CCK secretion. Dispersed rat intestinal mucosal cells were prepared from the proximal small bowel and continuously perfused. The perfusate was collected and the release of CCK into the medium was measured. DBI1-86 dose-dependently stimulated CCK release, with a maximal effect at 10(-9) M. Somatostatin blocked the DBI-stimulated CCK release. Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin fully reversed the inhibitory effect of somatostatin on DBI-stimulated CCK secretion, suggesting that somatostatin exerts its action by an inhibitory G-protein. In contrast, PYY (10(-6) M) and taurocholate (10(-6) M) did not affect DBI stimulated CCK levels, indicating that they act through different mechanisms to inhibit feedback-stimulated CCK release.