VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide belonging to the secretin peptide family, which includes PACAP, glucagon, GLP-1, and GHRH. It was originally discovered in porcine intestinal tissue and characterized for its vasodilatory and smooth-muscle-relaxing properties, but its physiological roles extend far beyond the gastrointestinal system into the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.
VIP exerts its effects by binding to two G-protein-coupled receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2, both coupled to Gs proteins that activate adenylyl cyclase and the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade. VPAC2 shows preferential coupling in pancreatic islet tissue, where VIP activates this receptor on β-cells to stimulate glucose-dependent insulin secretion—a mechanism distinct from GLP-1 signaling and potentially useful in research modeling of pancreatic regulation without the risk of hypoglycemia that uncontrolled insulin release would produce. VPAC1 is more broadly distributed across neuronal, immune, and vascular tissues, where VIP signaling regulates neurotransmitter release, modulates immune cell function (particularly promoting anti-inflammatory responses), and contributes to vascular tone and smooth muscle relaxation. VIP is also studied for roles in circadian rhythm regulation, through actions on the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and for neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disease models.
Unlike its shorter-acting relative PACAP, VIP has a relatively short endogenous half-life in circulation due to rapid proteolytic degradation by dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and other serum proteases, limiting its clinical utility without synthetic stabilization—a feature relevant for research designs requiring precise temporal control.
Product Specifications
Purity: >99%, verified via HPLC
Form: Lyophilized powder
Vial Size: Multi-dose vial (supports up to 3 mL reconstitution)
Reconstitution & Storage
Intended Use: For laboratory research purposes only. Reconstitution with Bacteriostatic Water (BAC water) is required before use.
Storage: Store lyophilized powder in a cool, dry place away from light. After reconstitution, keep refrigerated at 2-8°C.
Solubility: Reconstitute with BAC water. Gently swirl to dissolve, do not shake.
Shelf Life: Lyophilized form has a shelf life of up to 24 months. Once reconstituted, recommended use within 4-6 weeks.
Handling: Use sterile techniques to maintain product stability and integrity.
Important Notice
This product is intended for laboratory and research use only. It is not for human or veterinary consumption, and is not approved for use as a food, drug, cosmetic, or household chemical. Baldena Biolabs does not condone or support self-administration of this product. By purchasing, you confirm you are a qualified researcher or research institution and accept full responsibility for safe and legal handling in accordance with applicable laws.
