title: A new neuroregulator: the vasoactive intestinal peptide or VIP.
abstract: VIP is a neuroregulator occurring in the central and peripheral nervous system which exhibits the function of neurotransmitter in the brain, neuroendocrine substance at the pituitary level, and neuroparacrine substance in peripheral organs. The structure and the specificity of the molecule as studied by antibody and receptor, and its location in brain and peripheral organs are summarized as well as its numerous biological effects. The method used to demonstrate the involvement of VIP in a physiological regulation is described and illustrated by two examples: the effect of VIP on gut epithelium and the neuroendocrine action of VIP in inducing prolactin release from pituitary cells. The consequence of this recent progress in the knowledge of VIP release and action in human physiology and disease is indicated.
mesh_terms: D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D001980:Bronchi / Q000187:drug effects; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000032:analysis; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000032:analysis; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D018005:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D013045:Species Specificity; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000502:physiology*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D018005:Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; D011388:Prolactin; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D000262:Adenylyl Cyclases