Description
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide originally isolated from the intestine but expressed in tissue-spanning distribution throughout the body. Structurally, VIP belongs to the secretin-glucagon family and shows sequence homology to PACAP (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide). In research literature, VIP is established as a multi-function peptide with effects on immune modulation, vascular function and neuroendocrine axes.
The research mechanism lies in the activation of VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which are G-protein coupled and trigger intracellular cascades through cAMP signaling. In preclinical studies, VIP has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects, vasodilation, modulation of T-regulatory cells and neurotrophic properties. This multi-modality makes VIP a complex but mechanistically well-characterized research tool.
In animal models, VIP has been extensively characterized in inflammation models, vascular research setups and neurodegenerative studies. A particularity: VIP shows effects on Th1/Th2 balance in preclinical models and can contribute to a Th2 shift in autoimmune research models.
The half-life of native VIP is very short (a few minutes), making systemic research application challenging. In modern setups, stabilized VIP analogs or local application routes are frequently used.
VIP is available in 5mg vials as 10-vial packs.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
VIP is described as largely well tolerated per study reports, but through its vasoactive action it has its own profile of effects to consider.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Circulation: VIP is a potent vasodilator, and the literature describes flushing, warmth, low blood pressure or dizziness as circulation-related effects.
- Injection site: mild redness or pressure at the injection site is the most common local observation.
- Immune modulation: VIP modulates Th1/Th2 balance in preclinical models and can contribute to a Th2 shift, an active intervention in immune regulation.
- Very short half-life: native VIP has a duration of action of only a few minutes, which makes systemic use difficult to control.
- No long-term data: the characterization comes predominantly from preclinical models, and robust long-term human data do not exist.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- VIP: a neuropeptide in immune regulation - Peptides 2008: Mechanism overview of the immune axis.
- VIP and PACAP receptors in inflammation - Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 2014: Receptor pharmacology.
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide: 50 years of research - Peptides 2017: Comprehensive historical overview.
