vasoactive intestinal polypeptide
n : a protein hormone that consists of a chain of 28 amino acid residues, was first isolated from the gut of the pig, has been implicated as a neurotransmitter, and has a wide range of physiological activities (as stimulation of secretion by the pancreas and small intestine, vasodilation, and inhibition of gastric juice production) - abbr. VIP - called also vasoactive intestinal peptide .
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