A new presentation of physiological regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic applications is given in this book. It represents a collection of the most up- to-date information in cholecystokinin (CCK) research, especially focusing on the development and characterization of CCK antagonists. The book contains chapters on the synthesis, biochemical and pharmacological characterization of potent and selective CCK antagonists as well as physiological applications of these compounds. The last section of the book is devoted to the involvement of CCK in pathological states and potential clinical applications of CCK antagonists.