Pancreatic polypeptide is a naturally occurring hormone produced by the F cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. It auto regulates both endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas. Secretion is usually secondary to food intake especially after a protein meal. Fasting, exercise and hypoglycemia are other stimulants for the secretion of the hormone. The hormone is decreased in conditions associated with decreased food intake and in obese people. Pancreatic polypeptide inhibits gall bladder contractility, gastric acid secretion and intestinal motility. The hormone has been shown to cause a sustained decrease in appetite and food intake via action on the brain. In the hypothalamus and brainstem, it induces an orexegenic (appetite stimulant) effect. When administered exogenously, it has been shown to decrease food intake and suppress excessive weight gain among study patients. It is also shown to decrease fatty acid levels in the blood.
The pancreas is a gland about the size of a hand, tucked between a bend in the upper part of the intestines (the duodenum) and the stomach. One function of the pancreas produces enzymes for the digestive system in the exocrine tissue. The other function of the pancreas creates hormones as part of the endocrine system. Within the pancreas the tissues of both systems intertwine, which makes it difficult to treat the pancreas because things that work on one system very easily damage the other.
Digestion is a complex process and the objective of the entire process is to provide energy for sustenance of the human body. The human digestive system consists of the digestive tract and other organs that are necessary for the digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste.
