Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Abstract Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is a highly basic 28-amino acid peptide isolated from porcine small intestine. VIP was originally found to be a gut hormone, but has recently been considered as a neuropeptide with wide distribution in the central and peripheral nervous systems. VIP plays roles as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, but also acts as a bloodborne hormone. VIP participates in the regulation of various major body functions, and may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of several diseases.