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Short-term infusion of pancreatic polypeptide: effect on children with Prader-Willi syndrome
W B Zipf1, T M O'Dorisio, G G Berntson
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205.
Insights
Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) infusions did not alter appetite in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Short-term normalization of PP levels does not reduce excessive food intake in PWS patients.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic disorder characterized by hyperphagia and obesity.
- Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a hormone involved in appetite regulation, with lower levels observed in individuals with PWS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of short-term pancreatic polypeptide (PP) infusion on appetite and eating behavior in children with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).
Main Methods:
- Ten children with PWS received infusions of PP or saline in a counterbalanced, double-blind manner.
- Appetite tests were conducted after an overnight fast and a standardized breakfast.
- Serum levels of various hormones and biochemical markers were measured before and after infusions.
Main Results:
- PP infusions significantly increased serum PP concentrations but did not induce adverse physical or biochemical changes.
- No significant differences in eating behavior were observed between PP and saline infusions.
- The study design was sensitive enough to detect the impact of a pretest meal on food intake.
Conclusions:
- Short-term normalization of circulating pancreatic polypeptide levels does not appear to correct the excessive food intake characteristic of Prader-Willi syndrome.
- Further research may be needed to explore the long-term effects or alternative therapeutic strategies for appetite dysregulation in PWS.
Abstract:
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.