Peptide Profile
VIP
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
01
Overview
Composition
Naturally occurring 28-amino-acid neuropeptide hormone belonging to the secretin/glucagon superfamily, functioning as both a neurotransmitter and hormone
Mechanism of Action
Acts through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (class B G protein-coupled receptors) to activate adenylyl cyclase, increase cAMP, and influence downstream pathways like CREB
Primary Effects
Vasodilation, smooth-muscle relaxation, anti-inflammatory signaling, immune regulation, neuroprotection, and regulation of secretion, motility, and circadian rhythms
02
Discovery & Background
First isolated in 1970 from porcine small intestine by Said and Mutt, initially identified for its vasodilatory properties
Research in 1970s-1980s established smooth muscle relaxation and secretion effects. 1990s-2000s expanded understanding of anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory actions. Synthetic VIP (Aviptadil) explored clinically
No FDA-approved VIP product exists for broad therapeutic use; aviptadil and related formulations remain investigational or region-specific depending on context.
03
Research Overview
Extensive preclinical studies demonstrate cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects across multiple models
- 01
Reduces cytokine storms and modulates T-cell responses
- 02
Protects neurons from apoptosis/oxidative stress
- 03
Improved outcomes in IBD models (e.g., TNBS colitis)
- 04
Reduced Aβ plaques/brain atrophy in Alzheimer's 5xFAD mice
- 05
Benefits in pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, and autoimmune diseases
- 06
Small human trials show short half-life (~1 minute), cardiovascular effects (vasodilation, inotropy, tachycardia)
- 07
Human evidence is mixed and highly indication-specific
- 08
Observational links tie low VIP to inflammatory/neurological disorders
No large-scale approvals exist; lacks FDA approval for broad therapeutic use
04
Safety Considerations
Monitoring
- Inflammation markers
- Symptoms (fatigue, breathing, cognition)
- Labs (cytokines if available)
Side Effects
Generally Well-Tolerated
- Mild local irritation has been reported
- Flushing or low blood pressure can occur because VIP is a vasodilator
- Tachycardia or palpitations are plausible cardiovascular effects
- Rare headaches/dizziness
Contraindications
- Limited data; caution in hypotension
- Cardiovascular instability
- Hypersensitivity to VIP or components
05
Educational Notice
VIP has broad biologic effects as a vasodilator, immune-signaling peptide, and neuropeptide, but clinical evidence is small, indication-specific, and mixed. It lacks major regulatory approval for broad therapeutic use and is primarily exploratory in many contexts. Clinical decisions require qualified medical oversight, especially where cardiovascular effects matter.
References
Research And Source List
Structured reference cards with source metadata and a direct link so users can inspect the original study/source.Technical identity
Exact molecular identity record for VIP.Critical Care Medicine | 2022
Randomized trial in critical COVID-19 respiratory failure; primary endpoint did not reach statistical significance.PubMed | 2023
Randomized placebo-controlled trial that did not significantly improve clinical outcomes up to day 90.European Respiratory Journal | 2008
Small human inhalation study showing modest, short-lived selective pulmonary vasodilation.PubMed
Human infusion study documenting heart-rate and vascular effects.PubMed
Human hemodynamic study showing systemic blood-pressure and vascular-resistance effects.WADA
Current anti-doping source used for prohibited-in-sport review.American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine | 2010
Human inhaled-VIP study showing immunoregulatory effects in sarcoidosis.PubMed indexed literature query
Search results for indexed publications and abstracts related to VIP.ClinicalTrials.gov
Trial-registry search for study status, sponsors, and registered human-research context.Pattern Store