VIP

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a natural 28-amino acid peptide that acts as a neurotransmitter and hormone, found throughout the body, especially the gut and brain, known for its potent vasodilating (widening blood vessels) and smooth muscle relaxing effects, regulating blood flow, digestion, and immune responses, with potential therapeutic uses in lung diseases, sepsis, and autoimmune disorders due to its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Key Functions & Roles:
--Blood Flow & Respiration: Potent vasodilator, relaxes airways (bronchodilator), reduces pulmonary pressure, and improves circulation in the heart and lungs.
--Digestive System: Stimulates water/electrolyte secretion, relaxes intestinal muscles, and helps control digestive enzymes.
--Neurotransmitter: Functions in the brain, influencing circadian rhythms (sleep/wake cycles) and acting as a neuromodulator.
--Immune System: Modulates immune responses, suppresses inflammation, and helps maintain immune balance.
--Hormonal Effects: Can influence insulin secretion, pancreatic cell growth, and steroid hormone levels.

Therapeutic Potential:
--Respiratory Diseases: Investigated for asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension.
--Inflammatory/Autoimmune: Potential for sepsis, arthritis, Crohn's, multiple sclerosis.
--Neurodegenerative: Explored for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's due to neuroplasticity effects.

How it Works:
VIP binds to specific G protein-coupled receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) on target cells, activating internal signaling pathways (like cAMP/cGMP) to produce its wide range of effects, from relaxing muscles to modulating immune cells.