VIP

Strictly for Research Purposes

Important Notice – Research Use Only All products offered are strictly intended for laboratory and scientific research purposes only. They are not approved by Health Canada and must not be used for human or veterinary consumption, therapeutic applications, or self-administration under any circumstances. Descriptions provided, including potential biological actions or benefits, are based on preliminary scientific research. These findings are experimental in nature and should not be interpreted as medical claims, therapeutic recommendations, or evidence of safety or efficacy. ⚠️ Regulatory Disclaimer Unauthorized health products have not been approved by Health Canada, which means they have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, or quality. Use of such products outside of controlled research environments may pose serious health risks.

VIP Peptide (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)

General Description

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a 28–amino acid peptide hormone endogenously expressed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Its broad tissue distribution suggests pleiotropic biological activity, functioning as a neurotransmitter, vasodilator, immunomodulator, and secretagogue. Owing to this diverse activity profile, VIP has become a molecule of significant interest in biomedical research.

Mechanism of Action

VIP exerts its biological effects primarily through binding to three G protein–coupled receptors: VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1.

• VPAC1: Predominantly expressed in the brain, liver, lungs, intestine, and immune cells.
• VPAC2: Localized in the central nervous system, pancreas, heart, kidney, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive tissues.
• PAC1: Primarily expressed in the brain and adrenal glands.

Receptor activation stimulates adenylate cyclase, leading to increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production, which mediates downstream signaling cascades relevant to neuromodulation, vascular tone, and immune regulation.

Chemical Properties

• Molecular Formula: C147H237N43O43S
• Molecular Weight: 3326.8 g/mol
• Synonyms: PHM27, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide

Research Highlights

Immunological and Anti-Inflammatory Potential

• VIP is synthesized by immune cells and demonstrates regulatory effects on both innate and adaptive immunity.
• In innate immunity, VIP suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine synthesis.
• In adaptive immunity, VIP downregulates Th1-mediated inflammatory responses while promoting Th2-type activity.
• Experimental murine models of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) suggest that exogenous VIP reduces disease severity, lowers IL-6 and TNFα levels, and enhances Claudin-3 expression, thereby supporting intestinal barrier integrity.

Neuroprotective Role and Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity

• VIP contributes to the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal barrier (BSB).
• By stimulating adenylate cyclase and cAMP production, VIP may regulate immune responses involving regulatory T cells (Tregs).
• Disruption of VIP signaling has been linked to increased BBB permeability, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration.
• VIP receptors are expressed in Virchow-Robin spaces, implicating VIP in perivascular immune regulation and barrier preservation.

Cardiac Fibrosis Modulation

• VIP may attenuate cardiac fibrosis by downregulating angiotensinogen (Agt) and angiotensin receptor type 1a (AT1a) expression, thereby modulating the renin-angiotensin system.
• Murine studies indicate that VIP supplementation increases myocardial VIP levels and reduces fibrosis metrics.
• While VIP selectively impacts certain pro-fibrotic mediators, its effects appear pathway-specific, warranting further mechanistic investigation.

Benefits of VIP Peptide

•  Supports brain health: May help protect the blood-brain barrier and reduce neuroinflammation.
• Reduces inflammation: Can lower harmful immune responses and promote balance in the immune system.
• Strengthens gut defenses: Helps maintain intestinal barrier integrity and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Protects the heart: May reduce scarring (fibrosis) in heart tissue and support cardiovascular health.
• Acts broadly in the body: Because its receptors are widely distributed, VIP may influence multiple systems including the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems.