Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28 amino acid peptide belonging to the secretin-glucagon family of peptide hormones. Its sequence is identical in man, ox, porcine and rat. VIP is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, acting as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Peripherally it is involved in vaso- and bronchodilatation, smooth muscle relaxation and stimulation of secretion. Ectopic endocrine tumors secreting VIP (VIPomas) give rise to raised plasma levels of VIP and are associated with watery diarrhea, hypokalemia and achlorhydria syndrome. VIP shows high sequence homology with peptide histidine-methionine (PHM) in man or peptide histidine-serine (PHI) in porcine or rat, present in the same precursor, and with the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). Applications: Suitable for use in ELISA and Western Blot. Other applications have not been tested. Recommended Dilutions: ELISA: 1:1000 Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.
