Serum levels of human pancreatic polypeptide in renal disease

The newly recognized pancreatic polypeptide (PP) has been demonstrated in the circulation of healthy subjects, although its physiological role is not definately established. In order to investigate the renal role in the elimination of PP from the circulation, PP was determined in patients with varying degrees of renal damage, in patients on chronic haemodialysis, and in patients who have undergone renal transplantation. A close correlation was found between glomerular filtration rate and serum PP. In the uraemic group, PP levels were highly elevated as compared to normal individuals. After renal transplantation, PP values declined in step with the improvement in glomerular filtration rate. The increased serum PP levels in renal failure raise the possibility of PP being involved in the development of uraemic gastrointestinal symptoms.