Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)

General Information

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide was originally isolated from porcine small intestine as a potent vasoactive hormone acting on the intestine. It is found in the nervous, digestive, respiratory, and genitourinary systems, as well as in the thyroid, adrenal, and exocrine glands. Its main effect is manifested in the relaxation of smooth muscles (blood vessels and bronchioles), the secretion of water and electrolytes of the gastrointestinal system, and the release of pancreatic hormones.

Symptoms

Excessive secretion of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is observed during the so-called pancreatic diarrhea - Werner-Morrison syndrome. The condition is characterized by watery diarrhea, hypokalemia (due to potassium loss), and hypochlorhydria. Also, increased intestinal peristalsis, dehydration and marked physical asthenia (exhaustion). Hypercalcemia, impaired glucose tolerance are also observed.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide may be produced by vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-producing tumors of pancreatic islet cells, as well as during ectopic and hyperplastic processes of islets.

When is the survey conducted?

Diagnosis and monitoring of tumors synthesizing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in patients with chronic diarrhea.

Patient preparation

The study is performed on an empty stomach - at least 8 hours must have passed since the last meal.

Material for examination: Venous blood

Referral norms: <17 pmol/L 

Interpretation of results

In all cases of pancreatic diarrhea syndrome, an increase in the rate of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide is not observed. The trend of increasing the indicator is characteristic of frequent and regular use of laxatives.