VIP - A VERY IMPORTANT PEPTIDE IN THE SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS-SYSTEM

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is involved in the control of smoo th muscle activity, blood flow and exo- as well as endocrine secretion . More recent work has elucidated the effects of this peptide on centr al and peripheral neurons. These studies suggest that VIP is an import ant modulator of cell growth, differentiation and neuronal survival du ring development of the sympathetic nervous system. VIP is also expres sed in a subset of adult postganglionic sympathetic neurons. Furthermo re, VIP is induced in an additional neuronal subpopulation of the rat superior cervical ganglion after axotomy. The mechanisms leading to in creased VIP expression and its possible role during sympathetic nerve regeneration are currently being elucidated. This review summarizes th e distribution, regulation and functions of VIP in cervical sympatheti c ganglia of higher vertebrates.