Pancreatic polypeptide (PP)
| Category | Biochemistry >> Endocrinology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
PP is localised mainly in the pancreatic islet cells and also in the exocrine pancreas. It is released in response to food ingestion (particularly fat and protein). Abnormally high levels of PP secretion by a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour are not associated with specific symptoms. PP is measured as part of the Gut Hormone profile. |
| Clinical Indications |
Suspected gastrinoma/somatostatinoma or Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: hypergastrinaemia, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, steatorrhoea, mixed endocrinopathy VIPoma: watery diarrhoea, hypokalaemia, achlorhydria, hypotension and flushing/vasodilation Glucagonoma: hyperglycaemia refractory to insulin, skin lesions, diarrhoea and stomatitis |
| Reference range | 0-300 pmol/L |
| Sample & container required | See Gut Hormones |
| Sample volume | See Gut Hormones |
| Turnaround time | 3 weeks |