VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide): research overview
VIP, or vasoactive intestinal peptide, is a neuropeptide built from 28 amino acids. It belongs to the secretin and glucagon family, and research describes its signalling through two receptors, VPAC1 and VPAC2. Our VIP is a research reagent supplied as a lyophilisate. Purity of ≥ 99% is confirmed by HPLC, and molecular mass is confirmed by mass spectrometry.
What VIP is
VIP was first described in intestinal tissue, and its presence was later shown throughout the nervous system, including the autonomic nerves. It acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. Its activity runs through VPAC1 and VPAC2, both members of the G protein-coupled receptor family. Because its role in neurobiology and vascular physiology is well characterised, VIP is a common reference peptide in laboratories studying those systems.
Mechanism described in research
When VIP binds VPAC1 or VPAC2, cAMP levels rise inside the cell and set off a downstream signalling cascade. In vitro studies have described the effect of this pathway on smooth muscle relaxation. Isolated vessel preparations and animal models have shown a strong vasodilating activity. In cultures of immune cells, VIP is often described as a modulator of inflammatory responses. Results depend on cell type, peptide concentration and experimental conditions, which is why a consistent reagent specification matters.
VIP has also been the subject of clinical investigations, as reported in the scientific literature. Our product is intended for laboratory research only.
Research areas
- VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor signalling in cell models
- smooth muscle relaxation and vessel dilation in isolated tissue
- modulation of inflammatory responses in immune cell cultures
- neuroendocrine research and regulation of the autonomic nervous system
- gastrointestinal motility in studies on animal models
Product specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) |
| CAS number | 40077-57-4 |
| Molecular formula | C147H238N44O42S |
| Molecular mass | 3325.8 g/mol |
| Chain length | 28 amino acids |
| Form | lyophilisate |
| Purity | ≥ 99% (HPLC) |
| Available sizes | 5 mg, 10 mg |
Laboratory handling
Storage and reconstitution
- Keep the lyophilised vial at -20 °C, tightly sealed and protected from moisture.
- Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
- Once reconstituted, store the solution at 2-8 °C.
- Avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Divide the solution into working aliquots.
Role of the solvent
Bacteriostatic water is the most common solvent for reconstitution in laboratory work, because it limits microbial growth in the working solution. Some protocols also use dilute acetic acid to help dissolve certain peptides. Your research protocol determines the choice of solvent. Orders from 50 EUR (40 GBP, 55 USD) that include a peptide vial come with 10 ml of bacteriostatic water free of charge.
Batch quality
Every batch goes through HPLC analysis, which confirms purity of at least 99%. Molecular mass is checked by MS.
- purity of ≥ 99%, confirmed by HPLC
- molecular mass confirmed by MS
Ordering and delivery
| Destination | Dispatch time |
|---|---|
| Poland, InPost parcel locker | next working day |
| Europe, DPD courier (29 countries) | 2-4 working days |
Orders placed by 14:00 on a working day ship the same day. Delivery is free from 75 EUR, 65 GBP, 80 USD. Quantity discounts apply automatically: 5% for 2 pieces, 10% for 3 pieces and 15% for 5 pieces. Pay online by card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or BLIK (PLN only). Read more on our shipping page.
Related products and tools
- BPC-157, a peptide often paired with tissue research reagents
- TB-500, thymosin beta-4 for research on cell migration
- Thymosin alpha-1, a reagent for research on immune responses
Browse more reagents in the tissue research category. Calculate working concentrations with our concentration calculator, and review our batch testing on the quality page.
