Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide

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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.

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

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

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.

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

Review Date: 06/28/2011
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).