Pancreatic Polypeptide (PP)

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a 36-amino acid peptide hormone secreted by PP cells in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. It plays a crucial role in regulating digestive and metabolic processes, including inhibiting gastric emptying and biliary secretion, increasing hepatic insulin sensitivity, and suppressing appetite. PP secretion is stimulated by vagal input and hormonal signals like cholecystokinin after meals. Deficiency contributes to hepatic insulin resistance, while administration can reverse this effect without raising serum insulin levels. Elevated plasma levels are observed in certain endocrine tumors and with age, suggesting a role as a biomarker. Therapeutic strategies targeting PP signaling are explored for diabetes management and appetite control.

Other names

PPYF cell hormonePancreatic polypeptide (human)

PP primarily acts by binding to the Y4 receptor (also known as NPY4R) to modulate digestive and metabolic processes. This includes inhibiting gastric emptying and biliary secretion, increasing insulin receptor numbers on hepatocytes, and suppressing appetite via central mechanisms.