Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
28-amino acid neuropeptide that causes vasodilation, stimulates intestinal secretion, and has immunomodulatory properties.
Chemical Identity
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | C147H238N44O42S |
| Molecular Weight | 3326 Da |
| CAS Number | 40077-57-4 |
| Peptide Class | Neuropeptide (28 amino acids) |
| Sequence | HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN-NH2 |
Structure
Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28-amino acid linear neuropeptide belonging to the secretin-glucagon peptide family. It has an alpha-helical structure and is highly conserved across species. VIP is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Mechanism of Action
VIP binds VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors (G-protein coupled), activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing cAMP. This causes vasodilation, stimulates water and electrolyte secretion from intestinal epithelium, relaxes smooth muscle, and has potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Clinical Applications
- VIPoma syndrome: WDHA (watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, achlorhydria)
- Sarcoidosis: VIP inhalation for pulmonary sarcoidosis
- Erectile dysfunction: Investigational intracavernosal injection
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Anti-inflammatory properties
- Neuroprotection: Under investigation
Pharmacology
- Half-life: 1-2 minutes
- Distribution: Gut, brain, lungs, immune cells
- Receptors: VPAC1 (constitutive), VPAC2 (inducible)
- DPP-4: Substrate (rapid inactivation)
References
- Said, S.I., & Mutt, V. (1970). Polypeptide with broad biological activity. Science, 169, 1217-1218.
- Delgado, M., & Ganea, D. (2013). VIP and PACAP as anti-inflammatory agents. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 81, 193-204.
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