VIP
Also known as: Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide
VIP is a neuropeptide with wide-ranging effects including immune modulation, neuroprotection, and treatment of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS).
Research Status
Research compound - used clinically for CIRS
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Transient vasodilation, typically occurs within minutes of injection and resolves within 15-30 minutes. More common with higher doses or rapid injection. Manage by slowing injection speed and allowing solution to warm to room temperature.
Mild to moderate headache may occur, particularly with intranasal administration. Usually self-resolving within 1-2 hours. Stay hydrated and rest in a quiet environment if needed.
Transient nasal inflammation or congestion may occur with intranasal VIP. Typically resolves within hours. Use saline rinse if needed; do not use decongestants without consulting your healthcare provider.
Mild nausea may occur, especially at higher doses or on an empty stomach. Manage by taking with food or reducing dose. Resolves within 1-2 hours in most cases.
May occur due to vasodilation or rapid absorption. Sit or lie down if this occurs. Ensure adequate hydration and avoid sudden position changes.
Mild erythema, itching, or swelling at the injection site may occur. Rotate injection sites to minimise lipodystrophy. Apply ice if swelling is bothersome.
VIP is a vasodilator and may lower blood pressure, particularly at higher doses. Monitor blood pressure regularly. Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking antihypertensive medications. Seek medical attention if dizziness or syncope occurs.
Compensatory tachycardia may occur in response to vasodilation. Usually mild and transient. Monitor heart rate; seek medical attention if palpitations or chest discomfort occur.
Anaphylaxis or severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms include urticaria, angioedema, bronchospasm, or hypotension. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if any signs of anaphylaxis develop. Have an epinephrine auto-injector available if you have a history of peptide allergies.
Some CIRS patients report transient worsening of symptoms (cytokine release reaction) in the first 1-2 weeks of VIP therapy, attributed to immune system reactivation. This may include fever, malaise, or exacerbation of existing symptoms. Typically resolves as treatment continues. Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen significantly.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 50 mcg |
| Frequency | 4x daily |
| Timing | Every 4-6 hours |
| Route | Intranasal |
Intranasal administration. Often used as part of CIRS protocol.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 3357 |
| Half-life | 1-2 minutes (in circulation; longer in tissue compartments) |
| Sequence | HSDAVFTDNYTRLRKQMAVKKYLNSILN |
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino acid neuropeptide that acts as a neuroimmune modulator, binding to VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein coupled receptors throughout the nervous and immune systems. It exerts anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8), promoting regulatory T cell differentiation, and enhancing parasympathetic nervous system signalling. VIP also provides neuroprotection and has been investigated for treatment of chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) and mast cell activation disorders.
VPAC1/VPAC2 Receptor Signalling
VIP binds to VPAC1 and VPAC2 G-protein coupled receptors on immune cells, neurons, and endothelial cells, activating adenylyl cyclase and increasing intracellular cAMP, which suppresses NF-κB activation and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production.
Th17 to Treg Differentiation
VIP promotes the differentiation of naive T cells toward regulatory T cells (Tregs) and away from pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, enhancing immune tolerance and reducing chronic inflammation.
Parasympathetic Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway
VIP enhances vagal parasympathetic signalling, which suppresses systemic inflammation through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, reducing mast cell degranulation and pro-inflammatory mediator release.
Mast Cell Stabilisation
VIP inhibits mast cell activation and degranulation, reducing the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators implicated in CIRS and post-Lyme disease syndrome.
- VIP is a naturally occurring neuropeptide produced by neurons and immune cells; exogenous VIP supplementation aims to restore immune homeostasis in chronic inflammatory states
- VIP has a very short circulating half-life but accumulates in tissue and may exert prolonged local effects
- Intranasal administration bypasses hepatic metabolism and delivers VIP directly to the CNS and nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT), enhancing bioavailability
- VIP's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated primarily through cAMP-dependent suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signalling in immune cells
- Clinical evidence for VIP in CIRS is emerging but not yet definitive; most use remains investigational or off-label
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