PLASMA PANCREATIC POLYPEPTIDE IN THE HUMAN NEONATE

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Abstract
Plasma pancreatic polypeptide (PP) concentrations were studied in 197 healthy term and preterm infants. At birth plasma concentrations were lower than those found in the young fasting adult (P < 0.01), but by the 6th postnatal day in both term and preterm infants basal concentrations has risen to adult levels. In preterm infants, who were studied at 2 further postnatal ages, 13 and 24 days, basal plasma PP concentrations peaked at 13 days with levels that were over 2 .times. those seen in fasting adults (P < 0.005). The marked PP elevations following feeding that were reported in adults, were not seen in any of the groups of neonates studied. PP physiology thus appears to differ in neonates and adults. These findings may be relevant to adaptation to postnatal life.