What causes high VIP levels?
A very high level is usually caused by a VIPoma . This is an extremely rare tumor that releases VIP. VIP is a substance found in cells throughout the body. The highest levels are normally found in cells in the nervous system and gut.
How do you increase vasoactive intestinal peptides?
We have previously shown that plasma vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is increased in normal subjects by low-frequency transcutaneous nerve stimulation. The latter may also increase short-term physical performance in athletes (running, swimming and ergometer cycling).
What does VIP plasma test for?
Determination of plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) has been used for screening patients with chronic diarrhea to identify potential neuroendocrine tumors.
Why does VIPoma have achlorhydria?
Hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria is typically due to the inhibitory effect on parietal cells of gastric mucosa, resulting in reduced gastric acid production (16). This usually leads to the malabsorption of essential electrolytes and vitamins.
Why does VIPoma cause diarrhea?
This occurs as a result of VIP binding to intestinal epithelial cells, thereby upregulating cAMP and leading to secretion of electrolytes into the bowel lumen, causing profuse watery diarrhea [2]. Most patients experience diarrhea (89%), weight loss (72%), and hypokalemia (67%) [7].
What is VIP neurotransmitter?
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide that functions as a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter. It is a potent vasodilator, regulates smooth muscle activity, epithelial cell secretion, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract [1-3]. (See “Peptide hormone signal transduction and regulation”.)
Does VIP decrease gastric motility?
In the stomach VIP produced a gastric relaxation and a blood flow increase. The motility response was similar to that observed when eliciting the vago-vagal reflex relaxation by distending the esophagus. In the small intestine a hyperemia and a decrease of net water uptake was observed.
What does VIP do to your body?
VIP has an effect on several tissues: In the digestive system, VIP seems to induce smooth muscle relaxation (lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, gallbladder), stimulate secretion of water into pancreatic juice and bile, and cause inhibition of gastric acid secretion and absorption from the intestinal lumen.
How does VIPoma cause Achlorhydria?
Is VIPoma curable?
Outlook (Prognosis) Surgery can usually cure VIPomas. But, in one third to one half of people, the tumor has spread by the time of diagnosis and cannot be cured.
Why does VIPoma cause Achlorhydria?
Is VIPoma treatable?
Initial treatment of VIPomas is directed toward correcting volume and electrolyte abnormalities. Octreotide acetate controls diarrhea in up to 90% of patients with VIPomas. Glucocorticoids reduce symptoms in 50%. Systemic chemotherapy may be needed in cases of unresectable or progressive disease.