Code Details for Lab and Clinical Services
ISI Order Code: HPP
CPT Code: 83520
Clinical Significance of Pancreatic Polypeptide
Human Pancreatic polypeptide (HPP) is a peptide hormone consisting of 36 amino acids. It was first isolated and characterized in 1972 by Chance et al. PP is secreted by the F cells in the islets of Langerhans, primarily located in the head of the pancreas. HPP secretion is stimulated by physiological triggers such as hypoglycemia, food ingestion, and sham feeding (chewing without swallowing). The release of HPP is mediated by the vagus nerve; thus, secretion is inhibited by vagotomy or administration of atropine, reflecting its dependence on parasympathetic nervous system activity. The precise physiological functions of HPP are not fully established. However, it is believed to participate in regulating exocrine pancreatic secretion and promoting gallbladder emptying. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests a role in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis.
Elevated plasma levels of HPP are commonly observed in patients with pancreatic endocrine tumors, including insulinomas, glucagonomas, and pancreatic polypeptide-secreting tumors (PPomas). Elevated levels may also be present in individuals with diabetes mellitus, potentially indicating autonomic dysfunction.
Reference Range, Procedure & Expected Results
Reference Range:
10 – 600 pg/mL
Procedure:
Human Pancreatic Polypeptide is measured by an immunoassay.
Expected Turnaround Time:
10 Business Days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of receipt of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering facility.Report: Sample Report
Patient Preparation Guidelines
Patient is preferred to be fasting for 10 – 12 hours prior to collection of specimen. Patient should not be on any antacid medications or medications that affect intestinal motility, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection.
Specimen Collection:
3mL EDTA plasma should be collected and separated as soon as possible. Freeze EDTA plasma immediately after separation. Minimum specimen size is 1.0 mL.
Important Precautions
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
Rejection Criteria:
- Gross hemolysis/lipemia/icteric
Shipping and Handling Instructions for Pancreatic Polypeptide Assay Specimens
Shipping Instructions:
Ship specimens frozen in dry ice.
Research & Scientific References
- 1 Batterham, R. L., Le Roux, C. W., Cohen, M. A., Park, A. J., Brynes, A. E., Frost, G. S., Ghatei, M. A., & Bloom, S. R. (2003). Pancreatic polypeptide reduces appetite and food intake in humans. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 88(8), 3989–3992. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-030630
- 2 Adrian, T. E., Ferri, G. L., Bacarese-Hamilton, A. J., Fuessl, H. S., Polak, J. M., & Bloom, S. R. (1986). Secretion of pancreatic polypeptide in patients with pancreatic endocrine tumors. New England Journal of Medicine, 315(5), 287–291. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM198607313150504
- 3 Koska, J., Solis-Herrera, C., Jonas, J., Holland, W., & Reaven, G. M. (2004). Pancreatic polypeptide is involved in the regulation of body weight in Pima Indian male subjects. Diabetes, 53(12), 3091–3096. https://doi.org/10.2337/diabetes.53.12.3091
- 4 Strodel, W. E., Eckhauser, F. E., Knol, J. A., Thompson, N. W., & Bagnasco, J. (1984). Pancreatic polypeptide-producing tumors: Silent lesions of the pancreas? JAMA Surgery, 119(5), 508–514. https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1984.01390170008003