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.