The measurement of pancreatic polypeptide is used in the detection of pancreatic tumors.
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Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a 36-amino-acid peptide predominantly produced by the pancreas. The pancreas secretes PP in response to hypoglycemia, food ingesting, or when food is chewed but not swallowed, secondary to vagal nerve stimulation. The physiologic role of PP in healthy individuals is, among other things, to regulate the secretion of pancreatic enzymes, water, and electrolytes. PP increases gastric emptying and gut motility and relaxes the pyloric sphincter, the colon, and the gallbladder.
Pancreatic polypeptide levels increase after food is consumed. Prolonged fasting, diabetes, and advanced age can also increase them. Pancreatic polypeptide levels can be elevated in patients with carcinoid syndrome, duodenal ulcers, and type I diabetes.
Endocrine-active tumors of the pancreas can increase pancreatic polypeptide secretion. Although tumors that secrete only pancreatic polypeptide are rare, pancreatic polypeptide levels are often elevated in patients with VIPomas, glucagonomas, gastrinomas, and insulinomas.
