VIP and autonomic neurotransmission.
A variety of peptides have been proposed as transmitter candidates in non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic nerves. The nerves containing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), which innervate blood vessels, non-vascular smooth muscle, mucosal epithelium and glands comprise a major and wide-spread population of the peptide-containing systems. There is now experimental data supporting the view that VIP is a transmitter in non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nerves in the digestive tract, respiratory tract and urogenital tract, controlling smooth muscle tone and motility, blood flow and secretion. It is possible that impairment of VIP-containing nerves is involved in a number of autonomic dysfunctions.
Fahrenkrug
J
J
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
D000818:Animals; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000502:physiology*
D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide