VIP pulmonary research provides one of the more developed areas of the broader VIP literature on tissue-specific effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide. The lungs are a major site of VPAC1 expression, and VIP has been studied in respiratory research models for its effects on bronchial smooth muscle, airway inflammation, and other pulmonary endpoints. As the pulmonary research component of the VIP research cluster, this article reviews the published animal model literature on VIP effects in respiratory contexts, the mechanisms involved, and the broader context for understanding VIP as a pulmonary research tool.
VIP Pulmonary Research: Published Respiratory Model Studies
VIP · Published April 8, 2026 · Updated May 18, 2026 · 7 min read
Quick Answer
VIP pulmonary research examines airway smooth muscle bronchodilation, anti-inflammatory effects, and asthma research in rodent respiratory models. Studies measure bronchodilation response, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pulmonary VPAC receptor signaling across standardized respiratory research protocols. For research use only, not for human consumption.
Research Use Only. All products are strictly for research use only (RUO). Not for human consumption. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing, you agree that you are a qualified researcher and that products will be used solely for in-vitro research purposes.
- VIP and the Respiratory System
- VIP and Airway Smooth Muscle
- VIP and Pulmonary Inflammation
- VIP in Asthma Research Models
- VIP and Pulmonary Vascular Effects
- VIP and Mucus Secretion in Research
- Open Research Questions
- Conclusion
- Related Research Articles
- Explore Related Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Glossary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VIP in research contexts?
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VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) is an endogenous 28-amino-acid neuropeptide of the secretin/glucagon superfamily. It is studied in preclinical models for vasodilation, immune modulation, circadian rhythm regulation, and pulmonary smooth muscle research through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor signaling.
How is VIP studied in pulmonary research?
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VPAC2 receptors are abundant in airway smooth muscle, where VIP signaling produces bronchodilation. Pulmonary research examines VIP effects on airway tone, anti-inflammatory responses in asthma and COPD models, and surfactant production by alveolar type II cells.
What pulmonary endpoints are measured with VIP?
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Endpoints include airway resistance, bronchoconstriction responses to challenge, inflammatory cell infiltration in BAL fluid, cytokine profiles, mucus production, and integrated assessment in allergic airway inflammation, smoke-induced injury, and acute lung injury models.
Is VIP approved for human use?
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Glossary
Key terms used in this article.
- VPAC1
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 1, broadly distributed, mediating immune and gastrointestinal effects of VIP.
- VPAC2
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2, enriched in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and lung, involved in circadian and pulmonary signaling.
- Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)
- The hypothalamic master circadian pacemaker, where VPAC2 signaling is essential for synchronizing rhythmic neuronal activity.
- Vasodilation
- Widening of blood vessels resulting from relaxation of vascular smooth muscle, often mediated by nitric oxide or VIP signaling.
- Neuropeptide
- A peptide produced and released by neurons that acts as a signaling molecule in the nervous system.
- Bronchodilation
- Relaxation of airway smooth muscle producing increased airway diameter and reduced airway resistance.
- BAL Fluid
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, collected by saline washing of distal airways and alveoli for cellular and biochemical analysis.
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Research Use Only. All products are strictly for research use only (RUO). Not for human consumption. Products on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. By purchasing, you agree that you are a qualified researcher and that products will be used solely for in-vitro research purposes.
