Vasoactive intestinal peptide

• OMIM: 192320

• MGI: 98933

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP ) denotes a gastrointestinal ( found in the digestive tract) peptide hormone consisting of 28 amino acids.

VIP is ( duodenum) formed in the duodenum when there fats occur. It has similarity to secretin and glucagon in its chemical structure and effect. VIP acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the neurons of the central nervous system and parasympathetic nerve fibers. Its half-life in blood is about two minutes.

The biological functions of VIP are mediated through two receptors type 1 ( VPAC1R ) and type 2 ( VPAC2R ).

Effect

VIP causes relaxation of smooth muscle in the stomach, intestine, trachea, bronchi, blood vessels and is thus a systemic as pulmonary vasodilator. VIP increases the secretion of HCO3- in the gut, pancreas and liver, and inhibits gastric acid secretion. VIP also intervenes in the regulation of mucus production in the airways and in addition to inhibit the blood coagulation.

Too much of the hormone is produced by the so-called VIPoma ( Verner - Morrison syndrome) and this leads to Watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorhydria, which is why it is also called the WDHA syndrome.

Studies

Currently, studies are carried out on patients suffering from severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. Four times daily inhalation of VIP in a total dose of 200 ug / day leads to a significant improvement in hemodynamic parameters and performance, without significant side effects.

Since extended in addition to the pulmonary vessels and airways, as well as VIP has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, it is used in clinical trials; was also used to treat severe forms of COPD and bronchial asthma.

Further works aim to synthesize synthetic analogs with improved properties as an extension of the half-life.