VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide)

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide | Neuropeptide

Weight: 3,326 Da
Half-life: 1-2 minutes
Chain: 28 amino acids
4 studies
2022 latest
Extensively Studied
Dose 50-100 mcg per dose (up to 200 mcg in research protocols)
Frequency 1-2 times daily due to very short 2-minute half-life
Cycle As prescribed for specific condition
Storage Lyophilized powder: 2-8°C refrigerated; Reconstituted: use immediately (very short stability, ~2 minute half-life)
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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.

01 Potent vasodilation and blood pressure reduction
02 Strong anti-inflammatory effects
03 Immunomodulation (Th1-Th2 balance)
04 Neuroprotective effects
05 Bronchodilation
06 Cardioprotective (positive inotropic effects)
07 Insulin secretion enhancement (glucose-dependent)
08 Gut barrier and permeability regulation

Molecular Data

Molecular Weight
3,326 Da
Chain Length
28 amino acids
Type
Neuropeptide
Amino Acid Sequence
One-letter: HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN?
H₂N
H 1
O ‖ C
N
S 2
O ‖ C
N
D 3
O ‖ C
N
A 4
O ‖ C
N
V 5
O ‖ C
N
F 6
O ‖ C
N
T 7
O ‖ C
N
D 8
O ‖ C
N
N 9
O ‖ C
N
Y 10
O ‖ C
N
T 11
O ‖ C
N
R 12
O ‖ C
N
L 13
O ‖ C
N
R 14
O ‖ C
N
K 15
O ‖ C
N
Q 16
O ‖ C
N
M 17
O ‖ C
N
A 18
O ‖ C
N
V 19
O ‖ C
N
K 20
O ‖ C
N
K 21
O ‖ C
N
Y 22
O ‖ C
N
L 23
O ‖ C
N
N 24
O ‖ C
N
S 25
O ‖ C
N
I 26
O ‖ C
N
L 27
O ‖ C
N
N 28
O ‖ C
N
H
? 29
COOH
His
1

Histidine

Position 1

Ser
2

Serine

Position 2

Asp
3

Aspartic Acid

Position 3

Ala
4

Alanine

Position 4

Val
5

Valine

Position 5

Phe
6

Phenylalanine

Position 6

Thr
7

Threonine

Position 7

Asp
8

Aspartic Acid

Position 8

Asn
9

Asparagine

Position 9

Tyr
10

Tyrosine

Position 10

Thr
11

Threonine

Position 11

Arg
12

Arginine

Position 12

Leu
13

Leucine

Position 13

Arg
14

Arginine

Position 14

Lys
15

Lysine

Position 15

Gln
16

Glutamine

Position 16

Met
17

Methionine

Position 17

Ala
18

Alanine

Position 18

Val
19

Valine

Position 19

Lys
20

Lysine

Position 20

Lys
21

Lysine

Position 21

Tyr
22

Tyrosine

Position 22

Leu
23

Leucine

Position 23

Asn
24

Asparagine

Position 24

Ser
25

Serine

Position 25

Ile
26

Isoleucine

Position 26

Leu
27

Leucine

Position 27

Asn
28

Asparagine

Position 28

NH2
29

NH2

Position 29

N-terminus C-terminus
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive (+)
Negative (-)
Modified
Peak 0.0 mcg
Trough 0.0 mcg
SS Peak 0.0 mcg
SS Trough 0.0 mcg

Research Indications

Cardiovascular
Pulmonary Hypertension most effective

VIP inhalation shows striking efficacy with increased mixed venous oxygen saturation and exercise capacity.

Vasodilation most effective

Dilates peripheral blood vessels through NO-dependent mechanisms above 100 pmol doses.

Cardiac Support effective

Coronary vasodilation with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart.

Neurological
Neuroprotection moderate

Promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurological disorders.

Autism Spectrum Disorders emerging

Potential therapeutic target being researched for ASD.

Circadian Rhythm moderate

Produced in suprachiasmatic nuclei; involved in circadian regulation.

Metabolic & Immune
Diabetes Support moderate

Promotes insulin secretion in glucose-dependent manner via VPAC2; low hypoglycemia risk.

Anti-Inflammatory effective

Potent anti-inflammatory effects useful in IBD and autoimmune conditions.

Sarcoidosis moderate

Therapeutic potential for pulmonary and systemic sarcoidosis.

Dosing Protocols

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.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
General use50-100 mcg1-2x dailySubQ or IV
Research protocols100-200 mcgAs directedSubQ or IV

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
  • Insulin syringes
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Peptide vial
  • Sterile work surface
  1. 1 Clean work area and hands thoroughly
  2. 2 Calculate required BAC water volume
  3. 3 Draw BAC water into syringe
  4. 4 Inject slowly down vial side
  5. 5 Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
  6. 6 Use promptly due to short stability

Interactions

+
BPC-157
No known negative interactions; different mechanisms.
compatible
++
Thymosin Alpha-1
Both have immunomodulatory effects; may complement each other.
synergistic
+
LL-37
Both have anti-inflammatory properties.
compatible

What to Expect

Minutes
Rapid vasodilation and hemodynamic effects
Hours
Anti-inflammatory signaling activated
Days-Weeks
Cumulative effects on inflammation and immune balance
Ongoing
Sustained benefits with regular administration

Side Effects & Safety

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

Quality Checklist

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

References

  • VIP as New Drug for Treatment of Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
    Journal 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 Diabetes
    Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022)

    VIP promotes glucose-dependent insulin secretion via VPAC2, reducing hypoglycemia risk.

  • Therapeutic Potential of VIP in Neurological Disorders
    CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics (2010)

    VIP and receptors are promising therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and autism spectrum disorders.

  • VIP Structure and Function for Therapeutic Applications
    Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2011)

    Comprehensive review of VIP receptor signaling and therapeutic applications.

Related Peptides

BPC-157 compatible

No known negative interactions; different mechanisms.

LL-37 compatible

Both have anti-inflammatory properties.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.