Serum substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide levels in infants with acute intussusception

Acute intussusception is a common acute abdominal disease in infants, while most cases in early childhood are idiopathic. Acute intussusception occurs when one segment of the bowel telescopes into an adjacent part of the bowel. If this condition uncontrolled, it may lead to intestinal necrosis and perforation.1 Normally, intestinal peristalsis relies on integrative action of the enteric nervous system (ENS), interstitial cells of Cajal, and intestinal smooth muscle. The ENS plays a major role that controls multiple gut function, including motility, blood flow, secretion, immunological reactions, and inflammatory reactions. There is discrete evidence that abnormalities within this network may contribute to the pathophysiological basis of some forms of idiopathic constipation.2,3 Substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are important neurotransmitters that modulate intestinal peristalsis. SP is a major first responder to noxious or extreme stimuli. SP is rapidly released in the presence of a stressor, and induces electrical activity and mechanical contraction, which act as a stimulating peristaltic effect on the bowel.4 VIP induces intestinal smooth muscle relaxation and plays a role in neural modulation of secretion of the pancreas and intestine.5 SP and VIP participate in intestinal disease, such as intestinal ileus, Hirschsprung’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.6,7 Neurotransmitters participate in bowel movement. However, whether there is a change in VIP and SP levels in acute intussusception remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to study the role of VIP and SP levels in acute intussusception.