VIPAlso known as: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

Mechanism of Action

VIP acts by binding to G protein-coupled receptors VPAC1 and VPAC2 on various tissues, triggering intracellular cAMP accumulation which modulates multiple signal transduction pathways. This results in suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, vasodilatation through smooth muscle relaxation, neuroprotection, and immunomodulation by altering immune cell activity and cytokine profiles.

Reported Research Benefits

VIP is investigated preclinically for its potential in reducing inflammation, supporting lung health conditions such as asthma and COPD, promoting neuroprotection and recovery after neurological injury or stress, modulating autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease, and regulating autonomic nervous system balance.

Dosing Protocol & Reconstitution

Typically prepared by reconstituting the lyophilized peptide with bacteriostatic water. In research settings, VIP is administered via subcutaneous or intranasal routes. Dosages vary depending on study design but often range from low microgram to milligram amounts, with cold storage (2-8°C) recommended post-preparation and stability maintained for up to 60 days.

Research Notes

Preclinical studies show VIP's effectiveness in restoring immune balance by decreasing cytokine storms and oxidative stress. VIP has a relatively short plasma half-life (~1-2 minutes) due to rapid enzymatic degradation, necessitating controlled dosing protocols. VIP is also explored as a biomarker and therapeutic candidate in inflammatory and neurodegenerative models.

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 Th1 pro-inflammatory responses, protect against autoimmune conditions, and regulate gut motility. Clinical research includes pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), inflammatory bowel disease, and POTS.

Side Effects & Safety

Flushing, hypotension, and tachycardia are dose-dependent cardiovascular effects. Nausea and diarrhea at higher doses. Short half-life (~2 min IV) limits systemic effects. Inhaled formulations better tolerated for pulmonary indications.

Stability & Storage

Refer to research notes

Molecular Data

Sequence: HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN
Molecular Formula: C140H225N39O42S6
Molecular Weight: 5313 g/mol
CAS Number: 99003-89-5
IUPAC Name: L-histidyl-L-seryl-L-aspartyl-L-alanyl-L-valyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-threonyl-L-aspartyl-L-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

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