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Published on: October 7, 2014
Autoantibody to vasoactive intestinal peptide in human circulation
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 16, 1985
Summary
Researchers discovered a Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)-binding autoantibody in some healthy human plasma samples. This autoantibody specifically binds VIP, suggesting a potential role in VIP-related biological processes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide with diverse physiological roles.
- The presence and function of VIP-binding factors in human plasma are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of VIP-binding substances in healthy human plasma.
- To determine if VIP-binding activity is associated with autoantibodies.
Main Methods:
- Radioassay using labeled [125I]VIP to detect binding in plasma samples.
- Competitive displacement assays with unlabeled VIP and related peptides.
- Immunoprecipitation and chromatographic techniques to characterize the binding factor.
Main Results:
- Eight out of 33 plasma samples showed specific VIP binding.
- The binding was competitively inhibited by unlabeled VIP but not by unrelated peptides.
- Characterization suggested the VIP-binding factor is an autoantibody, likely IgG or IgM, with an F(ab)2 fragment.
Conclusions:
- Healthy human plasma can contain autoantibodies that specifically bind Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP).
- These findings suggest a novel autoimmune mechanism potentially influencing VIP signaling.
