VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide)
Also known as: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide · VIP peptide · PHI-27
VIP is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors 1 and 2), which are class B GPCRs coupling primarily to Gs protein → adenylyl cyclase → cAMP elevation. VPAC1 is expressed on immune...
What It Is
VIP is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors 1 and 2), which are class B GPCRs coupling primarily to Gs protein → adenylyl cyclase → cAMP elevation. VPAC1 is expressed on immune cells, smooth muscle, epithelium, and CNS neurons. VPAC2 is expressed on smooth muscle, CNS, and immune cells. VIP causes vasodilation, bronchodilation, and smooth muscle relaxation. In the immune system, it suppresses Th1 inflammation and promotes Th2 responses, shifting away from inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) toward anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, TGF-β). It is neuroprotective, supports circadian rhythm via suprachiasmatic nucleus signaling, and is critical in the gut-brain axis. VIP deficiency is implicated in chronic inflammatory conditions, POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
Supplies Needed
Reconstitution
Intranasal delivery
Subcutaneous injection
Sterilization
Storage
Store at -20°C; stable 2+ years; highly sensitive to heat
Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 14 days; more labile than most peptides
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.
Dosing Protocols
Timing: Morning, intranasally. Intranasal is preferred for neurological and CNS applications; prepare in sterile saline for nasal spray
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Morning and evening. For MCAS/POTS/inflammatory conditions; intranasal is standard research route
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorTiming: Morning, midday, evening. Advanced inflammatory condition management; IV used in clinical research settings
↓ Apply these values to the reconstitution calculatorWeekly Timeline
| Week | Expected Effects |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Reduced inflammatory symptoms; improved GI motility; vasodilation effects (may notice warmth/flushing) |
| Week 2 | Anti-inflammatory benefits developing; improved circulation; reduced mast cell reactivity in MCAS patients |
| Week 4 | Sustained immune modulation; improved GI health; reduced MCAS/POTS symptoms in affected users |
| Week 8 | Comprehensive anti-inflammatory remodeling; improved autonomic regulation; reduced baseline inflammation |
Reconstitution Calculator
1 unit on U-100 syringe = 0.01 mL · Always label your vial after reconstitution
Injection Technique & Reconstitution
- Wipe vial stopper with alcohol swab
- Draw 2 mL sterile saline or bacteriostatic water
- Inject slowly along vial wall
- Gently swirl until dissolved
- For intranasal: transfer to nasal atomizer; for injection: use insulin syringe
- Refrigerate at 2u20138u00b0C; protect from light
Use our free peptide calculator to get the exact syringe units for your vial size and dose.
Mechanism of Action
VIP is a pleiotropic neuropeptide that binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (vasoactive intestinal peptide receptors 1 and 2), which are class B GPCRs coupling primarily to Gs protein → adenylyl cyclase → cAMP elevation. VPAC1 is expressed on immune cells, smooth muscle, epithelium, and CNS neurons. VPAC2 is expressed on smooth muscle, CNS, and immune cells. VIP causes vasodilation, bronchodilation, and smooth muscle relaxation. In the immune system, it suppresses Th1 inflammation and promotes Th2 responses, shifting away from inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12) toward anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, TGF-β). It is neuroprotective, supports circadian rhythm via suprachiasmatic nucleus signaling, and is critical in the gut-brain axis. VIP deficiency is implicated in chronic inflammatory conditions, POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS).
Key Research Papers
Comprehensive review of VIP's immunomodulatory mechanisms, showing its role in suppressing Th1 inflammation and promoting tolerance.
View on PubMed →Demonstrated intranasal VIP delivery improved social behavior deficits and brain serotonin function in autism mouse models.
View on PubMed →Stacks Well With
BPC-157 heals GI mucosal damage locally; VIP regulates GI motility and inflammation systemically u2014 powerful gut healing stack for IBD, SIBO, leaky gut
KPV is anti-inflammatory via alpha-MSH pathway; VIP is anti-inflammatory via cAMP/VPAC pathway u2014 dual anti-inflammatory approach for MCAS, IBD, chronic inflammation
Selank reduces anxiety via GABAergic modulation; VIP is neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory u2014 synergistic neuro-calming stack
Frequently Asked Questions
VIP is researched for MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), POTS, inflammatory bowel disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, autism spectrum disorder (VIP is expressed in the social brain), and chronic inflammatory conditions.
VIP has a plasma half-life of only ~2 minutes due to rapid degradation by peptidases. Intranasal delivery bypasses systemic degradation and delivers VIP directly to the CNS via the olfactory nerve pathway, providing better brain exposure.
Research suggests functional VIP deficiency may contribute to inflammatory conditions, MCAS, and dysautonomia. Measurement of VIP levels is available through specialized labs.
Legal Status by Region
This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. Not approved for human consumption by the FDA or any regulatory body. Always consult a qualified medical professional.