Effect of intracerebroventricular injection of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide on systemic blood pressure, and pancreatic and gastric secretions in the rat.

In order to examine the central effects of VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) on systemic blood pressure, and pancreatic and gastric secretions in rats, the peptide was given to rats intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) through the lateral cerebroventricle. VIP, when given i.c.v., showed no effects on systemic blood pressure, and pancreatic and gastric secretions in rats. The present results indicate that VIP affects these functions not centrally but peripherally. Physiological role of VIP in the brain remains to be elucidated.