CCK-8-induced desensitization of carbachol-stimulated amylase secretion occurred over a range of concentrations of CCK-8 that occupy low affinity CCK receptors. CCK-JMV-180 [BOC-Tyr(SO3)-Nle-Gly-Trp-Nle-Asp-2-phenylethylester] at concentrations up to 1 microM did not cause desensitization of enzyme secretion; however, the peptide was able to inhibit CCK-8-induced desensitization. Analysis of the relationship between receptor occupation and CCK-8-induced desensitization caused by CCK-8 and CCK-JMV-180 in combination also indicated that CCK-8-induced desensitization of carbachol-stimulated amylase secretion is caused by occupation of low affinity CCK receptors.