VIP (6MG)

What Is VIP?

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a synthetic 28-amino acid neuropeptide with the sequence H-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 (HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2). This peptide belongs to the secretin-glucagon-CRF family and is widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. For those looking to buy VIP in Switzerland, Core Peptides offers high-quality research-grade material for laboratory applications.

Discovered in 1970, VIP functions both as a neurotransmitter and as a hormone, acting through two primary G protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2. Researchers identify the peptide by CAS number 40077-57-4, with a molecular formula of C147H237N43O43S and a molecular weight of approximately 3,326.8 g/mol. Suppliers commonly provide VIP as a lyophilized powder for research applications.

VIP Research Overview

VIP has attracted sustained research interest as a pleiotropic neuropeptide with diverse physiological functions across multiple organ systems. It is involved in neuroendocrine-immune communication, inflammation regulation, immune tolerance, and tissue homeostasis and repair.

Research interest in VIP centers on its ability to modulate immune function through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor signaling. Studies have demonstrated that VIP suppresses NF-κB inflammatory signaling and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. Furthermore, VIP exerts neuroprotective effects, protecting neuronal cells against degeneration and showing promise in models of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, researchers have investigated VIP in the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and COVID-19 therapy.

When researchers choose to buy VIP in Switzerland for laboratory studies, they gain access to a compound that may help elucidate mechanisms of neuroimmune communication, GPCR signaling, and tissue homeostasis at the molecular level.

How Does VIP Work?

VIP exerts its biological effects through binding to two primary G protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, which belong to class B of the GPCR superfamily. The peptide’s mechanism involves several well-characterized pathways.

VPAC1 and VPAC2 Receptor Binding

VIP acts as an endogenous agonist at both VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. These receptors are widely expressed across various tissues and mediate the diverse physiological effects of VIP. Furthermore, the related peptide PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) also activates VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors.

Research has identified selective agonists and antagonists for these receptors, with VPAC1-selective agonists and antagonists such as PG 97-269 being characterized. Therefore, this receptor selectivity enables researchers to dissect the specific contributions of each receptor to VIP-mediated effects.

GPCR Signaling Pathways

Upon ligand binding, VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors activate heterotrimeric G proteins, primarily stimulating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP levels. This cAMP elevation then activates protein kinase A (PKA) and downstream signaling cascades that mediate VIP’s diverse biological effects.

VIP receptor signaling has been extensively studied, with research identifying major molecular switches in VPAC1, VPAC2, and PAC1 receptors that act as triggers for receptor activation. Moreover, the signaling pathways activated by VIP and PACAP receptors are complex and involve multiple downstream effectors.

Neuroprotective and Immunomodulatory Effects

VIP exerts neuroprotective effects by promoting neuronal survival and protecting against degeneration. Research has shown that microglia cells treated with synthetic VIP protect neuronal cells against degeneration, supporting the peptide’s role in neurodegenerative disease research.

VIP also modulates immune function through its receptors on lymphocytes. In mouse models, VIP has emerged as a key neuroimmune modulator that regulates lymphocyte function. Specifically, the peptide exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine release and enhancing regulatory T-cell function. It also suppresses NF-κB inflammatory signaling, reducing TNF-alpha and IL-6 production.

Researchers who buy VIP in Switzerland for research purposes can investigate these mechanisms across diverse experimental models of neuroimmunology, receptor pharmacology, and inflammatory disease.

Why Is VIP Studied?

Researchers study VIP primarily for its potential relevance to neuroprotection, immunomodulation, and VPAC receptor pharmacology. The peptide’s pleiotropic effects make it a valuable tool for understanding neuroimmune communication, GPCR signaling, and tissue homeostasis.

VIP has been extensively studied in the context of pulmonary diseases, including pulmonary arterial hypertension and other lung disorders. Research has explored its role as an abundant neurotransmitter in the lungs and other organs.

Moreover, researchers study VIP in the context of metabolic disorders. VIP stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, particularly through VPAC2 receptors, and has been investigated for therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes.

VIP has also been investigated in the context of neurodegenerative diseases and neuroprotection. The peptide’s neuroprotective and immunomodulatory actions have made it a focus of research into conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

In infectious disease research, VIP has been studied for its potential role in COVID-19 therapy, where it has been shown to shed ACE2 and TMPRSS2 via ADAM10, potentially hampering viral entry mechanisms.

Researchers who buy VIP in Switzerland from Core Peptides can incorporate this peptide into their studies on neuroimmunology, GPCR signaling, pulmonary biology, and metabolic regulation.

VIP Research Areas

Research Area	Description
VPAC Receptor Pharmacology	Investigating VIP’s binding and signaling at VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors
Neuroprotection	Studying VIP’s protective effects against neuronal degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases
Immunomodulation	Examining VIP’s effects on T-cell function, cytokine regulation, and immune homeostasis
Anti-Inflammatory Research	Exploring VIP’s suppression of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines
Pulmonary Research	Investigating VIP’s role in pulmonary arterial hypertension and lung diseases
Metabolic Research	Studying VIP’s effects on glucose-dependent insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes
Neuroimmune Communication	Preclinical research into VIP’s role in neuroendocrine-immune signaling
Tissue Homeostasis	Exploring VIP’s role in tissue repair, regeneration, and homeostasis

Scientific Research on VIP

Researchers have conducted extensive scientific studies on VIP in both in vitro and in vivo settings, deriving evidence from cell cultures, preclinical models, and clinical research. This peptide has a substantial research history spanning over five decades since its discovery in 1970.

In Vitro Evidence

In vitro studies using receptor-binding assays have demonstrated that VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors with high affinity, activating G protein-mediated signaling pathways. Research has characterized the pharmacology and signaling properties of VIP and PACAP receptors.

Studies have shown that VIP protects neuronal cells against degeneration in vitro. For example, microglia cells treated with synthetic VIP have been shown to protect neuronal cells against degeneration, supporting the peptide’s neuroprotective potential.

Additionally, research has demonstrated VIP’s anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, with studies showing suppression of NF-κB inflammatory signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha and IL-6.

Preclinical Studies

In animal models, researchers have investigated VIP’s effects on pulmonary function, immune regulation, and neuroprotection. Studies have explored VIP’s role in pulmonary arterial hypertension and other lung diseases.

Research has also investigated VIP’s effects on glucose homeostasis, with studies demonstrating that VIP stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion, particularly through VPAC2 receptors.

In mouse models, VIP has emerged as a key neuroimmune modulator that regulates lymphocyte function. Furthermore, researchers have studied the peptide for its role in immune tolerance and inflammation.

Human Research

VIP has been investigated in human clinical research for various applications. The peptide has received FDA Orphan Drug designation for certain indications. Research has explored VIP’s therapeutic potential in pulmonary diseases, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Nevertheless, researchers should note that VIP is supplied for laboratory research purposes only. Scientists who buy VIP in Switzerland should remain aware of these evidence considerations.

VIP Compared With Related Peptides

Peptide	Relationship to VIP	Key Differences
PACAP (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide)	Related peptide; shares VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors	PACAP also activates PAC1 receptor; VIP is 28 amino acids; PACAP exists in 27 and 38 amino acid forms
Secretin	Same peptide family (secretin-glucagon-CRF)	Secretin has different sequence and receptor specificity; VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide
Glucagon	Same peptide family	Glucagon is a 29-amino acid peptide with different receptor targets; VIP acts through VPAC1/VPAC2
GRF (Growth Hormone-Releasing Factor)	Same peptide family	GRF is a 44-amino acid peptide; VIP is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide with different receptor targets
GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide)	Same peptide family	GIP is a 42-amino acid peptide; VIP is a 28-amino acid peptide with different receptor targets

Research Applications

Researchers utilize VIP in a variety of laboratory research applications, primarily in the fields of neurobiology, immunology, and receptor pharmacology. Key research applications include:

• VPAC Receptor Studies: Investigating VIP’s binding and signaling at VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors
• Neuroprotection Research: Studying VIP’s protective effects against neuronal degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases
• Immunomodulation Studies: Examining VIP’s effects on T-cell function, cytokine regulation, and immune homeostasis
• Anti-Inflammatory Research: Exploring VIP’s suppression of NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines
• Pulmonary Research: Investigating VIP’s role in pulmonary arterial hypertension and lung diseases
• Metabolic Research: Studying VIP’s effects on glucose-dependent insulin secretion and type 2 diabetes
• Neuroimmune Communication Research: Preclinical research into VIP’s role in neuroendocrine-immune signaling
• Tissue Homeostasis Studies: Exploring VIP’s role in tissue repair, regeneration, and homeostasis

Researchers who buy VIP in Switzerland can incorporate this peptide into their experimental protocols across these diverse research areas.

VIP Product Specifications

Specification	Detail
Product Name	VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Amount	6mg
Form	Lyophilized powder
Sequence (One-Letter)	HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2
Sequence (Three-Letter)	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
Length	28 amino acids
Molecular Formula	C147H237N43O43S
Molecular Weight	Approximately 3,326.8 g/mol
CAS Number	40077-57-4
C-Terminal Modification	Amidation (-NH2)
Synonyms	Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, VIP neuropeptide
Receptors	VPAC1, VPAC2 (class B GPCRs)
Mechanism	VPAC1/VPAC2 agonist; G protein-coupled receptor signaling; cAMP elevation
Research Category	Cellular Research & Signaling
Purity	>99% (HPLC)
Storage	Store desiccated at -20°C, protected from light

How to Evaluate VIP Quality

When sourcing VIP for research purposes, researchers should consider several quality indicators. A reliable VIP peptide supplier should provide:

• Identity Confirmation: Analytical verification that the peptide matches the expected 28-amino acid sequence (HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2) and molecular weight (approximately 3,326.8 g/mol)
• Purity Analysis: Documentation of purity through methods such as HPLC – research grade typically provides >99% purity
• C-Terminal Amidation Confirmation: Verification of the C-terminal amidation, which is essential for the peptide’s biological activity
• Batch Information: Clear lot numbers and batch traceability
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Documentation of analytical testing results
• Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
• Solubility: Soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions

Researchers looking to buy VIP in Switzerland should seek suppliers who provide comprehensive documentation and quality assurance. Core Peptides remains committed to supporting research with properly documented products.

Understanding the Certificate of Analysis

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provides analytical data for a specific batch of a research peptide. For VIP research, a CoA typically includes:

• Identity Confirmation: Mass spectrometry or other analytical methods confirming the peptide’s identity
• Purity Assessment: HPLC chromatograms showing the purity of the peptide
• Batch/Lot Information: Unique identifiers for traceability
• Analytical Methods: Description of the testing methods used

Importantly, researchers should understand that a CoA demonstrates the chemical identity and purity of a peptide but does not establish safety, efficacy, therapeutic effectiveness, or suitability for human use. The CoA serves as a quality control document for research purposes only.

Storage and Stability

Proper storage of research peptides is essential for maintaining their integrity and stability. For VIP, researchers should refer to the product documentation provided with their order for specific storage recommendations.

General best practices for VIP storage include keeping the lyophilized peptide desiccated, protected from light, and stored at -20°C or below. The peptide is soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions. Researchers should avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. For specific temperature requirements and reconstitution protocols, consult the applicable product documentation or contact Core Peptides for the applicable storage specifications.

Research Considerations

Researchers incorporating VIP into their studies should be aware of several important considerations:

• Evidence Limitations: VIP has been studied in in vitro assays, preclinical models, and clinical research. However, researchers should note that VIP has a very short half-life in circulation (less than one minute) due to rapid proteolytic degradation, which may influence experimental design.
• Experimental Status: Researchers consider VIP a well-characterized compound with a substantial evidence base, but findings should be interpreted within the context of ongoing research.
• Model Differences: Results from cell cultures and animal models may not translate directly to human outcomes.
• Regulatory Status: VIP is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use and is intended for laboratory research use only. It has received FDA Orphan Drug designation for certain indications.
• Quality Considerations: Researchers should verify the quality and identity of their VIP through appropriate analytical methods.
• Mechanistic Context: VIP’s proposed mechanisms involve VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor binding, G protein-mediated signaling, and cAMP elevation. Researchers should consider appropriate experimental approaches to investigate these pathways.
• Short Half-Life: VIP has a rapid plasma half-life of less than one minute in circulation. This short half-life may significantly influence experimental design, dosing protocols, and the interpretation of in vivo studies. Researchers should consider this when designing experiments.

Researchers who buy VIP in Switzerland should ensure their studies include appropriate controls and interpret findings with scientific rigor.

Frequently Asked Questions About VIP

What is VIP?

VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a synthetic 28-amino acid neuropeptide with the sequence HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2 that belongs to the secretin-glucagon-CRF family and acts through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors.

What is VIP researched for?

Researchers primarily investigate VIP for its neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its role in VPAC receptor signaling, pulmonary diseases, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

What is the amino acid sequence of VIP?

The amino acid sequence of VIP is H-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 (HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2).

What is the molecular weight of VIP?

The molecular weight of VIP is approximately 3,326.8 g/mol.

What is the CAS number for VIP?

The CAS number for VIP is 40077-57-4.

What receptors does VIP target?

VIP targets two primary G protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, which belong to class B of the GPCR superfamily.

What is the mechanism of action for VIP?

VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, activating G protein-mediated signaling that increases intracellular cAMP levels, leading to downstream effects including neuroprotection, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory activity.

What is the half-life of VIP?

VIP has a very short half-life in circulation of less than one minute due to rapid proteolytic degradation.

Does VIP have neuroprotective effects?

Yes, VIP exerts neuroprotective effects, protecting neuronal cells against degeneration and showing promise in models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Is VIP FDA-approved?

VIP is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use. It has received FDA Orphan Drug designation for certain indications but is intended for laboratory research use only.

Can I buy VIP in Switzerland?

Yes, researchers can buy VIP in Switzerland from Core Peptides for laboratory research purposes.

What is the primary research category for VIP?

VIP belongs to the Cellular Research & Signaling category, with secondary relevance to Anti-Aging & Longevity research.

What related peptides are studied alongside VIP?

Related peptides include PACAP, Secretin, Glucagon, GRF, and GIP, all belonging to the secretin-glucagon-CRF family.

What is the purity of Core Peptides‘ VIP?

Core Peptides provides VIP with a purity of >99% as verified by HPLC analysis.

How should VIP be stored?

VIP should be stored lyophilized, desiccated, protected from light, at -20°C or below.

Related Research Peptides

Researchers interested in VIP may also find the following related peptides relevant to their work:

• PACAP – A related peptide that shares VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors with VIP, studied for neuroprotection and receptor pharmacology
• Secretin – A peptide from the same family, studied for gastrointestinal and receptor research
• Glucagon – A peptide from the same family, studied for metabolic and receptor research
• Semax – A nootropic peptide studied for neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement
• Selank – A cognitive peptide studied for immunomodulation and anxiety research

For a comprehensive selection of research peptides in Switzerland, explore the Core Peptides catalog.

Explore Cellular Research & Signaling Peptides

VIP is part of our Cellular Research & Signaling category, which features a range of research peptides investigated for their effects on receptor signaling, cellular communication, and neuroimmune pathways. Browse our selection to find the right peptides for your laboratory research.

Explore Related Research Categories

Researchers may also find the following related categories relevant to VIP research:

• Anti-Aging & Longevity – Peptides investigated for age-related neurodegenerative research
• Cognitive & Nootropic Peptides – Peptides studied for neurological and cognitive research
• Healing & Regeneration Peptides – Peptides investigated for tissue repair and regeneration

Further Research

Researchers interested in learning more about VIP and related peptides should consult the primary scientific literature. Key areas of investigation include VPAC receptor signaling, neuroprotection, immunomodulation, and neuroimmune communication. The PubMed database is an excellent resource for accessing peer-reviewed research articles on these topics.

Research Disclaimer

Core Peptides supplies VIP as a research peptide for laboratory research purposes only. All information provided is for educational and scientific reference purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Researchers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing the use of research peptides in their jurisdiction, including Switzerland.