VIP

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide originally discovered in porcine intestine in 1970. The name describes the initial pharmacological observation — it is vasoactive and found in the gut — but underrepresents the peptide’s biology. VIP is now understood as a pleiotropic neuromodulator with roles in the immune system, circadian rhythm regulation, reproductive function, and multiple neural circuits. It is found throughout the nervous system and peripheral organs.

VIP signals through two GPCRs: VPAC1 and VPAC2 (previously VIP1R and VIP2R). VPAC1 is expressed broadly including in lymphocytes, lung, intestine, and liver. VPAC2 is more restricted, with prominent expression in T-cells, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (the circadian clock), and several brain regions. In research models, VPAC receptor activation elevates cAMP and is studied for the downstream effects characteristic of VIP signaling: smooth muscle relaxation (including bronchodilation and vasodilation), neurotrophin production, anti-inflammatory cytokine shifts, and inhibition of T-cell proliferation. VIP is one of the most potent endogenous anti-inflammatory peptides studied.

Research interest in VIP has focused on: inflammatory pathways (VIP shifts immunity toward anti-inflammatory Th2/Treg phenotypes in research models), pulmonary vascular biology (bronchodilation, vasodilation), and circadian biology (VIP neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus are required for circadian rhythm generation and synchronization).

Specifications

Skladovanie

Store at -20°C and protect from light. Refrigerate at 2-8°C after reconstitution and use within 14 days. VIP is a relatively fragile peptide — minimize handling time and exposure to elevated temperature after reconstitution.

VIP is supplied for research purposes only. Not for human consumption. Handle in compliance with institutional biosafety guidelines.