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Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide - Overview

Definition of Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide:

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a substance found throughout the body. The highest levels are normally found in the nervous system and gut. VIP has many functions:

It helps control or send nerve signals
It helps relax certain muscles along the gastrointestinal tract
It increases the amount of water and electrolytes released from the pancreas and gut
It triggers the release of hormones from the pancreas, gut, and hypothalamus
It helps break down fat and glycogen
It stimulates bile flow
It blocks gastrin and gastric acid release

A blood test can be done to find out how much VIP you have in your blood.

How the test is performed:

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture.

How to prepare for the test:

You should not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the test.

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

This test is used to confirm the presence of a VIPoma, a tumor that releases VIP.

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 6/28/2011
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Trinitas Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Jensen RT. Pancreatic endocrine tumors. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 205.

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