Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP)

A member of the secretin " “glucagon family; highest levels in the gut and nervous system. A neuropeptide that functions as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. A potent vasodilator that regulates smooth muscle activity, epithelial cell secretion, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract. Functions as a neurohormone and paracrine mediator, being released from nerve terminals and acting locally on receptor-bearing cells

Normal range: 0 " “60 pg/mL

Use

Detection of VIP-secreting tumors

To detect occult metastases

To evaluate the success of surgical or drug therapies

Interpretation

Increased In

VIPomas

Neural crest tumors in children (ganglioneuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma, and neuroblastoma)

Pancreatic islet cell hyperplasia

Liver disease

MEN type I, pheochromocytoma

MTC

Branchiogenic carcinoma

Retroperitoneal histiocytoma

CHF

Limitations

This test should not be requested in patients who have recently received radioisotopes, therapeutically or diagnostically, because of potential assay interference.