| Abstract: | The specific binding of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the stimulatory effect of the neuropeptide on cyclic AMP in duodenal epithelial cells were modified 3 days following pancreaticobiliary exclusion. The binding capacity, but not the affinity, of VIP receptors decreased (by about 50%) as a consequence of the surgical manipulation. VIP was equally potent but showed a lower efficiency (about 45%) in stimulating cyclic AMP after ligation of the pancreatic and bile ducts. These observations may be either a consequence or a cause of the adaptive response of duodenal epithelium, the last possibility suggesting a role of VIP in the mechanisms of growth and differentiation of intestinal mucosa. |
