Vasoactive Intestinal PeptideAlso known as: VIP, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

Mechanism of Action

VIP exerts its effects primarily by binding to G-protein coupled receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 found in various tissues. This binding activates intracellular signaling cascades, leading to increased levels of cyclic AMP which modulate immune responses by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines. It also mediates vasodilation by relaxing vascular smooth muscle and promotes neuroprotection by modulating neuronal signaling and reducing oxidative stress.

Reported Research Benefits

VIP is researched for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in conditions such as asthma, COPD, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and other autoimmune or neurodegenerative disorders. It is also studied for its potential to aid neurological recovery after injury or stress and to improve pulmonary function by enhancing vasodilation and reducing inflammation.

Dosing Protocol & Reconstitution

VIP is typically prepared as a lyophilized powder and reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. It is usually administered in controlled experimental settings via subcutaneous or intranasal routes. Dosage regimens vary by study but precise dosing should be calculated with a peptide dosing calculator to ensure accuracy.

Research Notes

Preclinical data demonstrate VIP’s ability to shift the balance of cytokine production towards an anti-inflammatory profile, reduce oxidative stress markers, and improve tissue perfusion through vasodilation. Studies indicate potential utility in chronic inflammatory conditions and neuroinflammatory diseases. Half-life in vivo is relatively short, necessitating frequent dosing or continuous delivery methods in experimental settings.

Research Summary

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with potent vasodilatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory properties. It acts on VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors to suppress pro-inflammatory Th1 responses, regulate gut motility, and protect against autoimmune tissue damage.

Side Effects & Safety

Flushing, hypotension, and tachycardia are dose-dependent cardiovascular effects. Nausea at higher doses. Short systemic half-life when injected. Inhaled formulations are better tolerated for pulmonary indications.

Stability & Storage

Refer to research notes

Molecular Data

Sequence: HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN
Molecular Formula: C133H225N39O41S1
Molecular Weight: 6239.3 g/mol
CAS Number: 120317-01-4
IUPAC Name: L-histidyl-D-seryl-L-aspartyl-L-alanyl-L-valyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-threonyl-D-asparaginyl-L-tyrosyl-L-threonyl-L-arginyl-L-leucyl-L-arginyl-L-lysyl-L-glutaminyl-L-methionyl-L-alanyl-L-valyl-L-lysyl-L-lysyl-L-tyrosyl-L-leucyl-L-asparaginyl-L-seryl-L-isoleucyl-L-asparaginyl-L-asparagine amide

Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=VIP+vasoactive+intestinal+peptide+inflammation