VIP Receptor Agonists Small Molecules and Peptides

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) receptors are a group of G_s-protein-coupled receptors that are currently divided into two subtypes; VPAC₁ and VPAC₂. They are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and are also found in peripheral organs including the liver, lung, intestine, skeletal muscle, heart and kidney.

VPAC₁ and VPAC₂ have diverse biological actions including promotion of neuronal survival, regulation of glycogen metabolism, stimulation of prolactin release from the pituitary and catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla, and inhibition of IL-2-mediated T-cell proliferation. The human genes encoding VPAC₁ and VPAC₂ receptor have been located on chromosomes 3p22 and 7q36.3 respectively.