Release of Gastrointestinal Hormones in Cardiodepressive Shock

Abstract

In previous studies increased plasma levels of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were demonstrated in a porcine endotoxin shock model. Unchanged levels of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and secretin point to a specific shock reaction of peptide release and not to a diffuse mucosal leakage. A porcine model of cardiodepressive shock was developed to enable discrimination to be made between a general low-flow state and endotoxin reaction. Infusion of the tricyclic antidepressive agent nortriptyline 15 mg/kg bodyweight resulted in a grave shock state. Increased plasma levels of somatostatin, PP and insulin were found. No increase in VIP levels could be demonstrated. Endotoxin given after nortriptyline administration resulted in the increase of VIP levels regularly seen during endotoxinaemia. VIP release during endotoxin shock is related to endotoxin and not to a general low flow state.

Immunology of VIP: A Review and Therapeutical Perspectives

“…Thus, some authors of the 80's described high levels of VIP in patients and animals suffering endotoxemia, and showed a direct association with the disease degree, suggesting VIP as a cause of the disorder. Ten years later, some groups, in which we are included, suggested that the increased VIP levels in those disorders is not probably a cause but a consequence of the disease, and that VIP could be synthesized in response to the injury to try to regulate the deleterious effects of the excessive immune action [164][165][166][167][168][169][170][171]. It occurs the same in arthritis, where presence of VIP in synovial fluid is a manifestation of self regulation of the immune function in relation with disease [172].…”