Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) – 10mg
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide composed of 28 amino acids, belonging to the glucagon/secretin peptide family. It is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and immune tissues. VIP is of interest in research for its potential effects on vasodilation, smooth muscle relaxation, neurotransmission, and immune modulation.
Overview
VIP functions as a neuromodulator and hormone, acting primarily through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which are G protein–coupled receptors expressed in numerous tissues. Activation of these receptors is associated with increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, smooth muscle relaxation, and enhanced blood flow.
Research indicates VIP may regulate inflammatory responses, inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and modulate immune cell signaling. It has been studied in models of pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and neurological disorders for its immunoregulatory and tissue-protective properties. VIP’s broad physiological activity also extends to circadian rhythm regulation, endocrine secretion, and gastrointestinal motility.
Chemical Makeup
- Molecular Formula: C147H237N43O43S
- Molecular Weight: 3326.8 g/mol
- Amino Acid Sequence: HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2
- Other Known Titles: Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide, VIP Peptide
Research and Clinical Studies
Vascular and Smooth Muscle Research
VIP is a potent vasodilator in preclinical models, where it promotes increased blood flow and decreased vascular resistance. It has been studied for its potential to protect tissues during ischemic events by improving perfusion.
Immune Modulation
Studies show VIP can downregulate inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-12) and upregulate anti-inflammatory mediators (including IL-10). These findings suggest a role in regulating T helper cell differentiation and immune tolerance.
Pulmonary and Gastrointestinal Models
VIP expression is abundant in lung tissue, where it supports bronchodilation and may reduce pulmonary hypertension in animal studies. In gastrointestinal research, VIP is linked to regulation of intestinal motility, secretory activity, and mucosal immunity.
Neurological and Circadian Functions
VIP has been shown to influence circadian rhythms through activity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in models of neuroinflammation and neuronal injury.
Endocrine and Metabolic Studies
VIP research highlights its role in stimulating insulin, glucagon, and prolactin release, suggesting a multifaceted impact on endocrine signaling and metabolic regulation.
VIP peptide is available for research and laboratory purposes only. Not for human consumption.
References
- Said SI, Mutt V. Polypeptide with broad biological activity: isolation from small intestine. Science. 1970;169(3951):1217–1218. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4318846/
- Laburthe M, Couvineau A. Molecular pharmacology and structure of VPAC receptors for VIP and PACAP. Regul Pept. 2002;108(2-3):165–173. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12220735/
- Ganea D, Delgado M. The neuropeptides VIP/PACAP and T cells: inhibitors or activators? Curr Pharm Des. 2003;9(12):997–1004. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12678872/
- Harmar AJ, et al. Pharmacology and functions of receptors for VIP and PACAP. Br J Pharmacol. 2012;166(1):4–17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22289055/
- Vaudry D, et al. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and VIP: neuroprotective peptides. Trends Neurosci. 2009;32(12):728–735. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19896225/
- Delgado M, et al. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and the immune system. Endocr Rev. 2004;25(5): 649–685. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15466938/
- Said SI. Vasoactive intestinal peptide in the lung. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991;629:158–172. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1651451/
- Groneberg DA, et al. Role of VIP in airway smooth muscle function. Eur J Pharmacol. 2001;424(1):21–29. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11438328/
- Gozes I, et al. Neuroprotective peptide activity of VIP and derivatives. J Mol Neurosci. 2003;20(3):273–285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12825825/
- Martinez C, et al. VIP and immune tolerance in inflammatory bowel disease models. Gut. 1999;45(5): 672–678. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10517907/