VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide | Neuropeptide
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the glucagon/secretin superfamily. It is produced in many tissues including the gut, pancreas, and brain. VIP has potent vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. It binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, triggering cAMP-mediated signaling cascades. Research shows therapeutic potential for pulmonary hypertension, diabetes, neurological disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
Mechanism of Action
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 G protein-coupled receptors, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP and PKA activity. This triggers phosphorylation of CREB and other transcription factors. VIP causes vasodilation through NO-dependent and independent mechanisms, stimulates intestinal secretion, relaxes smooth muscle, inhibits gastric acid secretion, and has positive inotropic/chronotropic cardiac effects.
Key Benefits
- Potent vasodilation and blood pressure reduction
- Strong anti-inflammatory effects
- Immunomodulation (Th1-Th2 balance)
- Neuroprotective effects
- Bronchodilation
- Cardioprotective (positive inotropic effects)
- Insulin secretion enhancement (glucose-dependent)
- Gut barrier and permeability regulation
HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN?Histidine
Position 1
Serine
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Aspartic Acid
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Alanine
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Valine
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Phenylalanine
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Threonine
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Aspartic Acid
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Asparagine
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Tyrosine
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Threonine
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Arginine
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Leucine
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Arginine
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Lysine
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Glutamine
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Methionine
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Alanine
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Valine
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Lysine
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Lysine
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Tyrosine
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Leucine
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Asparagine
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Serine
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Isoleucine
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Leucine
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Asparagine
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NH2
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Cardiovascular
- Pulmonary Hypertension
VIP inhalation shows striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.
- Vasodilation
Dilates peripheral blood vessels through NO-dependent mechanisms above 100 pmol doses.
- Cardiac Support
Coronary vasodilation with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart.
Neurological
- Neuroprotection
Promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders.
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Potential therapeutic target being researched for ASD.
- Circadian Rhythm
Produced in suprachiasmatic nuclei; involved in circadian regulation.
Metabolic & Immune
- Diabetes Support
Promotes insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner via VPAC2; low hypoglycemia risk.
- Anti-Inflammatory
Potent anti-inflammatory effects useful in IBD and autoimmune conditions.
- Sarcoidosis
Therapeutic potential for pulmonary and systemic sarcoidosis.
VIP has a very short half-life of approximately 2 minutes in blood, requiring careful dosing strategies. Subcutaneous or intravenous administration. Rapid degradation limits bioavailability; analogs like stearyl-Nle17-VIP (SNV) are 100-fold more potent.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| General use | 50-100 mcg | 1-2x daily | SubQ or IV |
| Research protocols | 100-200 mcg | As directed | SubQ or IV |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Peptide vial
- Sterile work surface
- 1 Clean work area and hands thoroughly
- 2 Calculate required BAC water volume
- 3 Draw BAC water into syringe
- 4 Inject slowly down vial side
- 5 Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
- 6 Use promptly due to short stability
No known negative interactions; different mechanisms.
Both have immunomodulatory effects; may complement each other.
Both have anti-inflammatory properties.
Rapid vasodilation and hemodynamic effects
Anti-inflammatory signaling activated
Cumulative effects on inflammation and immune balance
Sustained benefits with regular administration
Common Side Effects
- Vasodilation (flushing, warmth)
- Hypotension
- Increased heart rate
- Gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea possible)
- Headache
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Severe hypotension
- Allergic reaction symptoms
- Severe diarrhea
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Contraindications
- Severe hypotension
- VIPoma or related tumors
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Severe cardiac conditions
Good Signs
- White lyophilized powder
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Intact vacuum seal
Warning Signs
- Use quickly after reconstitution (unstable)
Bad Signs
- Discolored powder
- Cloudy solution
- Particulates visible
- VIP as New Drug for Treatment of Primary Pulmonary HypertensionJournal of Clinical Investigation (2003)
VIP inhalation showed striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.
- Therapeutic Potential of VIP and VPAC2 in Type 2 DiabetesFrontiers in Endocrinology (2022)
VIP promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion via VPAC2, reducing hypoglycemia risk.
- Therapeutic Potential of VIP in Neurological DisordersCNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics (2010)
VIP and receptors are promising therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and autism spectrum disorders.
- VIP Structure and Function for Therapeutic ApplicationsPharmacology & Therapeutics (2011)
Comprehensive review of VIP receptor signaling and therapeutic applications.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.