VIVO Pathophysiology

Endocrine Pancreas

Pancreatic Polypeptide

Pancreatic polypeptide is a 36 amino acid peptide secreased predominantly from F cells in the pancreatic islets, but also from scattered epithelial cells in the intestine. It is a member of the neuropeptide Y family of proteins which also contains neuropeptide Y and peptide YY.

This hormone is secreted following a mean, particularly a protein-rich meal. Relatively little is known about its effects, but apparently it contributes to inhibition of gastric emptying and depresses intestinal secretion and motility.

Another intesting effect of pancreatic polypeptide seen after infusion of pancreatic polypeptide in human volunteers is reduced food intake at a buffet lunch (!). Consistent with this experiment, concentrations of this hormone in blood are elevated in patients with anorexia nervosa.

References

Batterham RL, Le Roux CW, Cohen MA, Park AJ, Ellis SM, Patterson M, Frost GS, Ghatei MA, Bloom SR. Pancreatic polypeptide reduces appetite and food intake in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003; 88:3989-92.

Holzer P, Reichmann F, Farzi A. Neuropeptide Y, peptide YY and pancreatic polypeptide in the gut-brain axis. Neuropeptides. 2012; 46:261-74.

Endocrine Pancreas: Introduction and Index

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