What Is VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)?

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the glucagon/secretin superfamily of regulatory peptides. First isolated from porcine intestinal tissue, VIP is now recognised as a pleiotropic signalling molecule expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and immune cells. Its broad distribution and receptor specificity have made it a compound of considerable research interest in neuroimmunology, autonomic regulation, and vasodilatory biology. TrueCanPeptides provides VIP 10mg for verified laboratory research.

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Mechanism of Action

VIP exerts its biological effects primarily through two G-protein–coupled receptors: VPAC1 (VIPR1) and VPAC2 (VIPR2), both of which signal through Gαs-coupled adenylyl cyclase activation to elevate intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP). VPAC1 is broadly expressed in the CNS, lung, liver, and immune cells; VPAC2 shows higher expression in the pancreas, thalamus, and smooth muscle. This receptor distribution underpins the diverse functional effects documented in preclinical research.

VIP-mediated cAMP elevation has been studied in the context of vasodilation (relaxation of vascular smooth muscle), neuropeptide co-transmission, bronchodilation in airway research models, and immunomodulatory signalling including regulation of cytokine profiles in macrophage and T-cell culture models.

Research Applications

VIP has been investigated across a broad range of preclinical research disciplines:

• Neuroimmune modulation: Studied in immune cell culture models for its effects on cytokine secretion profiles, including modulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 in macrophage and dendritic cell experiments.
• Vasodilation research: Investigated in vascular smooth muscle models and perfused tissue preparations examining cAMP-mediated relaxation responses.
• CNS neuropeptide biology: Explored as a co-transmitter in autonomic and cortical circuits; investigated in circadian rhythm research as a key neuropeptide in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN).
• Airway biology: Studied in bronchial smooth muscle models for bronchodilatory properties.
• Gastrointestinal research: Investigated as an enteric neuropeptide regulating intestinal motility and secretion in tissue and animal models.

All applications are investigational. Explore the TrueCanPeptides Research Hub →

Storage & Handling

VIP should be stored lyophilised at −20°C in a sealed, dry container. Reconstitute in sterile water, PBS, or an appropriate buffer for your specific assay. VIP is susceptible to proteolytic degradation; reconstituted solutions should be used promptly or stored as aliquots at −80°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles and prolonged exposure to room temperature.

Detailed handling protocols are available in the Peptide Storage Guide. See also quality and purity standards.

Related Research

Researchers studying neuropeptide signalling and neuroimmune modulation may also find value in:

• Kisspeptin — neuropeptide studied in GnRH axis and neuroendocrine research
• KPV — alpha-MSH C-terminal fragment studied in anti-inflammatory and melanocortin receptor research
• ARA-290 — EPO-derived peptide investigated in neuroprotection and anti-inflammatory signalling

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Disclaimer: This content is intended for educational and research purposes only. The compounds discussed on this page are not approved for human therapeutic use by Health Canada or any other regulatory authority. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. TrueCanPeptides supplies research compounds strictly for in vitro and laboratory research use. All information presented is derived from published preclinical and early-phase research literature and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

See also: What is DSIP?

VIP: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide in Research Context

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide/hormone expressed throughout the body — in the gut, brain, immune system, lungs, and cardiovascular system. It was first isolated from porcine intestine by Said and Mutt in 1970 and named for its initial characterization as a potent vasodilator. Subsequent research revealed it to be a multifunctional regulatory peptide with roles in smooth muscle relaxation, immune modulation, circadian rhythm regulation, and neuroprotection — making it a tool of broad research interest.

Structure and Receptors

• Sequence: His-Ser-Asp-Ala-Val-Phe-Thr-Asp-Asn-Tyr-Thr-Arg-Leu-Arg-Lys-Gln-Met-Ala-Val-Lys-Lys-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Ser-Ile-Leu-Asn-NH₂
• Amino acids: 28
• Molecular weight: ~3,326 Da
• Receptors: VPAC1 (VIPR1) and VPAC2 (VIPR2) — GPCRs coupled to adenylyl cyclase (cAMP production)
• Related peptides: Structurally related to PACAP, glucagon, GIP, secretin — all members of the secretin/glucagon peptide superfamily
• Format: Lyophilized powder

Research Areas

• Immune modulation: VIP is a potent anti-inflammatory neuropeptide studied in models of inflammatory and autoimmune biology. It has been shown to shift macrophage polarization and T-cell cytokine profiles in preclinical models.
• Circadian biology: VIP released from suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons is critical for synchronizing circadian clocks across brain cells. SCN neuron biology research uses VIP as a primary experimental tool.
• Pulmonary biology: VIP receptors are expressed on pulmonary smooth muscle. Research into airway biology and pulmonary vasculature has studied VIP for its bronchodilatory and vasodilatory properties in tissue models.
• Neuroprotection: VIP has been studied in neuronal cell models for its neurotrophic and neuroprotective signalling through VPAC receptors and cAMP/PKA pathways.

Storage and Handling

• Store lyophilized at −20°C or −80°C for long-term storage
• Reconstitute in sterile water; add 0.1% BSA to carrier buffer for cell assays to prevent adsorption to plasticware
• Post-reconstitution: aliquot immediately and store at −80°C; minimize freeze-thaw
• Contains methionine (Met) — susceptible to oxidation; avoid prolonged atmospheric exposure

VIP is supplied for qualified in vitro laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal administration. Not evaluated or approved by Health Canada.

Available: VIP from TrueCanPeptides | Cognitive & Neuro research compounds | What Are Peptides?