Where is Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) derived from?

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is primarily derived from neurons, specifically from enteric neurons in the gastrointestinal tract. VIP is a neuropeptide that plays a significant role in various physiological processes, including stimulating intestinal secretion, promoting vasodilation, and regulating smooth muscle activity. Being derived from neurons, VIP is released in response to neural stimuli and serves important functions in both the enteric nervous system and systemic circulation. This neuronal origin distinguishes it from other potential sources that originate from endocrine glands like the pancreas, liver, or kidneys, which do not produce VIP.