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VIP

Immune System
Vasoactive Intestinal PeptideVasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

Overview

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide originally isolated from the porcine intestine. It is a 28-amino acid peptide that is synthesized in various tissues, including the gut, pancreas, and central nervous system. VIP is derived from a larger precursor protein through enzymatic cleavage and is known for its wide-ranging physiological effects. Researchers have extensively studied VIP due to its role in modulating smooth muscle activity, secretion of water and electrolytes, and vasodilation. VIP has been investigated in the context of its effects on the immune system, where it has been observed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also studied for its neuroprotective effects and potential therapeutic applications in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The mechanism of action of VIP involves binding to specific G-protein coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, which are distributed throughout the body. Upon binding, VIP activates adenylate cyclase, leading to increased levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and subsequent activation of protein kinase A (PKA), which mediates its diverse physiological effects. Pharmacokinetic studies of VIP have shown that it has a short half-life, limiting its stability and bioavailability. Researchers have observed that VIP is rapidly degraded by peptidases, which poses challenges for its therapeutic use. Current research is focused on developing VIP analogs with improved stability and bioavailability. VIP is not approved as a medicinal product in many regions and is primarily used in research settings. Regulatory agencies have not classified VIP as a controlled substance, but its use is subject to regulations governing research chemicals.

Mechanism of Action

VIP exerts its effects by binding to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which are G-protein coupled receptors. This interaction leads to the activation of adenylate cyclase, increasing cAMP levels and activating protein kinase A, which mediates various physiological responses.

Half-Life

Intravenous~2 minutes
OralPoor bioavailability

VIP is rapidly degraded by peptidases, limiting its half-life and bioavailability.

Storage

Lyophilized

Stable for 2+ years at -20°C, 12 months at 4°C

Reconstituted

Use within 14 days when refrigerated at 4°C

Avoid

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, direct light

Solvent

Bacteriostatic water or sterile saline recommended

Solubility

VIP is soluble in water and dilute acetic acid but has limited solubility in organic solvents like acetonitrile and DMSO.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Not approved as a medicinal product. Not a controlled substance. Sale as research chemical is a legal grey area.

🇺🇸US

Not approved by the FDA as a medicinal product. Not scheduled by the DEA.

🇦🇺AU

Not listed in the TGA schedules.

🇬🇧UK

Not approved by the MHRA as a medicinal product.

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

8 Research Publications

Distribution of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) immunoreactivity in the rat pallial and subpallial amygdala and colocalization with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Unknown

Anatomical record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) · 2024

Researchers studied the distribution of a neuropeptide called vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in the amygdala of rats, which is important for emotional and learning processes. They found that VIP is present in specific groups of inhibitory neurons, suggesting it plays a unique role in regulating brain activity related to emotions and behavior.

  • Researchers observed that VIP is found in distinct subpopulations of GABAergic neurons in both the pallial and subpallial regions of the amygdala.
  • The distribution of VIP is not uniform, indicating it may influence different neuronal circuits within the amygdala.
  • VIP-immunoreactive neurons appear to regulate the activity of excitatory neurons, impacting cognitive and emotional functions.
PubMed

The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in atropine-related inhibition of the progression of myopia.

Unknown

BMC ophthalmology · 2024

Researchers investigated the role of a protein called vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the development of myopia (nearsightedness) and how the drug atropine affects this process. They found that myopia progression was linked to increased levels of VIP, and atropine treatment reduced both myopia and VIP levels in the eyes of guinea pigs.

  • The study observed that myopia progression was associated with elevated levels of VIP in the retina of guinea pigs.
  • Atropine treatment significantly reduced the myopic shift and the structural changes in the eyes caused by myopia.
  • Researchers found that atropine lowered the levels of VIP, suggesting a potential mechanism for how it controls myopia.
PubMed

Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Secreting MS Neuroblastoma.

Case Report

Journal of Indian Association of Pediatric Surgeons · 2024

Researchers observed a rare case of a 17-month-old child with advanced neuroblastoma who experienced chronic diarrhea due to high levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) from a tumor. After surgery to remove the tumor, the child's VIP levels decreased significantly, and their symptoms improved. This combination of conditions had not been previously reported in medical literature.

  • The child had a rare tumor that secreted vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), leading to chronic diarrhea.
  • Surgery to remove the tumor resulted in a significant drop in VIP levels.
  • The child's symptoms resolved after the tumor was excised.
PubMed

The role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in pulmonary diseases.

Review

Life sciences · 2023

Researchers reviewed the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in various lung diseases, highlighting its potential significance in conditions like asthma and COVID-19. They noted that VIP has diverse biological effects that may influence treatment approaches for pulmonary disorders.

  • Researchers observed that VIP is an important neurotransmitter in the lungs with implications for several lung diseases.
  • The review discusses VIP's potential applications in treating conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and cystic fibrosis.
  • Researchers identified limitations in the use of VIP as a medication and explored options for extended-release formulations.
PubMed

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) Protects Nile Tilapia (

Unknown

International journal of molecular sciences · 2022

Researchers studied the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) on Nile tilapia, focusing on its role in various biological processes. They observed that VIP is involved in gut function, immune responses, and potentially in cancer development. The findings highlight the importance of VIP in fish health and its broader implications in biological research.

  • Researchers observed that VIP plays a significant role in gut motility in Nile tilapia.
  • The study found that VIP is involved in the immune response of these fish.
  • Researchers noted a potential link between VIP and carcinogenesis in the context of fish health.
PubMed

Neuroendocrine cells derived chemokine vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) in allergic diseases.

Review

Cytokine & growth factor reviews · 2017

Researchers reviewed the role of a neuropeptide called Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) in allergic diseases like asthma and allergic rhinitis. They found that VIP interacts with various immune cells and receptors, influencing inflammation in these conditions. This study highlights the potential for developing new treatments targeting VIP to improve allergy management.

  • Researchers observed that VIP is secreted by both neuronal and immune cells and plays a significant role in the immune response related to allergic diseases.
  • The study found that VIP interacts with specific receptors on immune cells, which varies depending on the organ affected by allergies.
  • Researchers highlighted the potential for creating VIP analogues or antagonists as future therapeutic options for treating allergic diseases.
PubMed

Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in osteoarthritis.

Review

Journal of biomedical science · 2016

Researchers reviewed the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in osteoarthritis (OA), a common joint disease. They found that VIP levels are often lower in OA, which may lead to increased inflammation and pain, but some studies suggest that higher levels of VIP could also contribute to OA.

  • Researchers observed that VIP is down-regulated in the synovial fluid of individuals with osteoarthritis.
  • The decrease in VIP is linked to higher production of inflammatory substances that may worsen OA.
  • Some studies indicate that increasing VIP levels could help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in OA.
PubMed

Editorial: vasoactive intestinal peptide (vip): historic perspective and future potential.

Animal

Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets · 2012

Researchers observed that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) plays a significant role in regulating the immune system by reducing inflammation. The study highlights VIP's potential therapeutic benefits in treating inflammatory diseases based on findings from various animal models. Additionally, the review discusses future research directions related to VIP's effects on immune cell function.

  • Researchers found that VIP inhibits the production and action of various inflammatory mediators.
  • The study highlights the therapeutic potential of VIP in animal models of human diseases.
  • The review introduces new areas of research on VIP's impact on immune cell function.
PubMed

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.