
Research-grade compound with certificate of analysis. Full analytical testing on every lot.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide that, when administered exogenously, activates VPAC receptors to support vasodilation, immune balance, tissue repair, and neuroprotection. Its targeted signaling influences respiratory, metabolic, and microvascular pathways, offering broad metabolic use cases that require further clinical validation.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is a naturally occurring neuropeptide produced throughout the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, cardiovascular system, and central nervous system.
In the body (endogenously), it plays key roles in:
Endogenous VIP levels can be measured through laboratory blood testing.
Beyond its endogenous functions, exogenous VIP administration has become an area of growing scientific interest.
When delivered as a peptide analogue, VIP acts through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors, which are widely distributed across neural, vascular, and immune pathways and tissues, to influence cellular signaling in a controlled, dose-dependent manner.
Exogenous VIP administration has been widely studied for its ability to influence immune balance through selective activation of VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors on lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and endothelial tissues.
VIP can shift cytokine patterns toward anti-inflammatory profiles, downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators while enhancing immune tolerance [1].
VIP has also been explored for its role in T-cell modulation, influencing immune responses.
A cell study characterized how VIP receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) behave during activation of human Th cells under healthy and inflammatory (early arthritis) conditions [2].
Experiments showed that:
These findings provide new mechanistic insights and identify VIP receptor signaling as a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
One of VIP’s key actions involves tight-junction regulation, a critical determinant of epithelial barrier integrity.
An in vitro study used human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) to evaluate effects of VIP on wound repair [3].
A mechanical wound model in cultured HBECs was used to simulate epithelial injury. Compared to controls, VIP administration:
VIP promotes bronchial epithelial wound healing by increasing migration and proliferation of HBECs. These protective and reparative effects are VPAC1-dependent and are associated with upregulation of E-cadherin, supporting enhanced epithelial integrity.
A core aspect of VIP’s cardiovascular role is its ability to promote nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation, improving microcirculatory flow and reducing vascular tension.
An interventional study in 6 healthy volunteers used continuous IV infusion of VIP to characterize its hemodynamic and cardiovascular effects [4].
Participants underwent continuous VIP infusion at 400 pmol/kg/hour for 100 minutes, resulting in:
More clinical studies are needed to determine whether this can be used in pathologies of heart failure to improve cardiovascular outcomes.
VIP shows the ability to buffer neuroinflammatory signaling. This reduces the biochemical strain that prolonged inflammation can impose on the brain.
A preclinical animal study used the MPTP murine model of Parkinson’s disease to evaluate neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of VIP [5]. VIP administration resulted in:
These findings position VIP as a promising therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative diseases, with human studies needed to validate.
Exogenous VIP administration is well-tolerated, though some individuals may experience temporary reactions as the peptide engages VPAC receptors throughout the body.
Reported responses include:
These effects are usually short-lived and reflect VIP’s physiologic roles in vasodilation and gut motility rather than toxic or harmful processes.
References
1 Gonzalez-Rey, E. and Delgado, M. (2005) Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in inflammation and autoimmunity. Curr. Opin. Investig. Drugs, Curr Opin Investig Drugs 6, 1116–1123
2 Villanueva-Romero, R., Gutiérrez-Cañas, I., Carrión, M., González-Álvaro, I., Rodríguez-Frade, J. M., Mellado, M., et al. (2019) Activation of Th lymphocytes alters pattern expression and cellular location of VIP receptors in healthy donors and early arthritis patients. Sci. Rep., Nature Publishing Group 9, 7383
3 Guan, C.-X., Zhang, M., Qin, X.-Q., Cui, Y.-R., Luo, Z.-Q., Bai, H.-B., et al. (2006) Vasoactive intestinal peptide enhances wound healing and proliferation of human bronchial epithelial cells. Peptides, Elsevier BV 27, 3107–3114
4 Frase, L. L., Gaffney, F. A., Lane, L. D., Buckey, J. C., Said, S. I., Blomqvist, C. G., et al. (1987) Cardiovascular effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide in healthy subjects. Am. J. Cardiol., Elsevier BV 60, 1356–1361
5 Delgado, M. and Ganea, D. (2003) Neuroprotective effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease by blocking microglial activation. FASEB J., Wiley 17, 944–946
Every lot undergoes five independent assays before release. Results are published in the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Every lot undergoes our 4-panel testing protocol: HPLC purity analysis, ESI-MS identity confirmation, LAL endotoxin screening, and amino acid analysis (for peptides >15 residues). Full analytical data is published in the Certificate of Analysis for each lot.
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C or below for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, peptides should be stored at 2–8°C and used within a reasonable timeframe depending on the specific compound. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always store in a dry environment away from direct light.
Orders placed before noon PST, Monday–Saturday, ship the same day. We offer free standard shipping on orders over $150. All orders are shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs when necessary. Standard delivery typically takes 2–4 business days within the continental US.
No. All compounds sold by Genesis Peptides are strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. By purchasing, you confirm the products will be used solely for legitimate research applications.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by our analytical laboratory that reports the results of all quality control tests performed on a specific lot of product. Each COA includes HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, endotoxin results, and amino acid analysis where applicable. COAs are available in our COA Library for every lot we have shipped.
Yes. We offer volume pricing for universities, research institutions, and laboratories with recurring needs. Discounts begin at 10+ units and scale with volume. Contact our team for a custom quote tailored to your research requirements.
Research Use Only. All findings described above are derived from preclinical studies (animal models and in vitro experiments). VIP is not approved by the FDA for any diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans. Genesis Peptides makes no claims regarding human clinical efficacy. This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY — Products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research. Not for human consumption or administration. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.