VIP

Basic Information

Full Name: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP)

CAS: 37221-74-2

Amino Acids: 28 (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)

Family: Secretin-Glucagon Superfamily (68% homology with PACAP)

Molecular Weight: 3326 Da

Appearance: White lyophilized powder, highly water-soluble

Receptors: VPAC1, VPAC2 (G protein-coupled receptors, activate the cAMP pathway)

II. Core Mechanism of Action

Receptor Activation: Binding to VPAC1/2 → Adenylate cyclase↑ → cAMP↑ → PKA Activation → Downstream Effects

Vasodilation: Directly relaxes vascular smooth muscle, promotes NO release → lowers blood pressure, increases local blood flow

Gastrointestinal Regulation: Relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle, stimulates water/electrolyte secretion, inhibits gastric acid, promotes pancreatic juice/bile secretion

Immunosuppression: Inhibits NF-κ B → downregulates TNF-α/IL-6/IL-12; amplifies Tregs, induces DC tolerance → anti-inflammatory/immune tolerance

Neural Function: Central neurotransmitters, neuroprotection, promotes nerve growth, regulates circadian rhythms (SCN core signal)

III. Main Physiological/Pharmacological Effects

1. Cardiovascular System

Powerful vasodilation (peripheral/lung/brain), reduces pulmonary artery pressure (PAH)

Positive inotropic effect, mild heart rate increase

Improves microcirculation, resists ischemia-reperfusion injury

2. Digestive System

Relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter, regulation of gastrointestinal motility

Stimulates pancreatic juice/bile/intestinal juice secretion (water + electrolytes)

Inhibits gastric acid secretion, protects gastric mucosa

3. Respiratory System

Bronchiectasis (potential target for asthma)

Reduces pulmonary vascular resistance, improves oxygenation

4. Immunity and Inflammation

Inhibits macrophage/neutrophil activation

Inhibits pro-inflammatory factors, promotes anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10)

Potential treatment for autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, long-term COVID-19, and CIRS

5. Neuroendocrine System

Central neurotransmitters (learning, memory, mood)

Neuroprotection, anti-apoptosis, promotes nerve regeneration

Regulates prolactin, growth hormone, and cortisol release

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) core rhythm signal

IV. Clinical/Research Applications

1. Validated Indications (Clinical/Research)

VIPoma (vasoactive intestinal peptide tumor): Watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, hypoacidity (WDHA syndrome), significantly elevated plasma VIP

Pulmonary hypertension (PAH): Selective pulmonary vasodilation, improves hemodynamics

Asthma/ COPD: Bronchiectasis, anti-inflammatory

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Suppressing intestinal inflammation, protecting the mucosa

Autoimmune Diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis

Long-term COVID-19/Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS): Immune reset, improving fatigue/cognition

Neuroprotection: Stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease models

Circadian Rhythm Disorders: Regulating the sleep-wake cycle

2. Research Directions

Neuro-Immune-Endocrine Network Regulation

Inflammation and Immune Tolerance Mechanisms

Organ Ischemia-Reperfusion Protection

Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation Regulation

Aging and Mitochondrial Function Protection