[Inhibition by VIP of the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells].

The molecular biological mechanism of the inhibition by VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) on proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells was studied by identifying hormone receptor and using tumor model in vivo. Inhibition appears only in those cells with VIP receptor. Cell-membrane receptors may change during carcinogenesis process. The inhibition of VIP (at certain concentration) on proliferation of tumor cells is remarkable, but, on the other hand, negligible on that of normal cells. These results suggested the feasibility of clinical application of VIP to the treatment of human pancreatic cancer.