Short-term infusion of pancreatic polypeptide: effect on children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Ten children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) were given two 90-min infusions of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) (100 pmol.kg-1.h-1) counterbalanced with two saline infusions. Thirty minutes into each infusion, a 60-min appetite test was given. Tests were done after an overnight fast and 1 h after a 275-kcal breakfast meal. Serum assays for biochemistry, glucose, insulin, C peptide, glucagon, cortisol, and PP were performed at the beginning and end of the infusion. Although infusion of PP increased PP concentrations 10-fold, it did not cause physical signs or symptoms, changes in vital signs, or changes in serum biochemistry. Although the test design was sufficiently sensitive to reveal an effect of the pretest meal on subsequent food intake, there was no difference in eating behavior with the saline and PP infusions. This suggests that a short-term normalization of blood PP concentrations does not correct the excessive food intake.