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Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was originally isolated from porcine small intestine and was recognized by its potent vasodilator activity. This brain/gut hormone has widespread distribution and is present in neuronal cell bodies localized in the central nervous system, digestive, respiratory, and urogenital tracts, and exocrine, thyroid, and adrenal glands. VIP has a wide scope of biological actions. The main effects of VIP include relaxation of smooth muscle (bronchial and vascular dilation), stimulation of gastrointestinal water and electrolyte secretion, and release of pancreatic hormones.
VIP-producing tumors (VIPomas) are rare; most (90%) are located in the pancreas. Watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria are key symptoms.