helospectin I

Helospectin I is a neuropeptide of the vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) family. Helospectin I has vasodilatory and antihypertensive activities, and decreases blood pressure. Helospectin I is originally isolated from the salivary gland venom of the lizard Heloderma suspectum[1][2].

Research Areas >> Cardiovascular Disease

Signaling Pathways >> Others >> Others

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)[1]

Helospectin I (suffusion at 0.1 nM, in bicarbonate buffer for 30 min) evokes significant, sustained and similar vasodilation in the intact hamster cheek pouch[1]. Helospectin I relaxes the Phenylephrine-contracted rat femoral arteries with pEC50 of 6.82[2]. Helospectin I (0.1 nM-1 μM) inhibits the binding of 125I-labeled VIP and 125I-secretin to dispersed chief cells[4].

Helospectin I (0.03-2 nmol/kg, 100 μL of infusion at the left jugular vein) reduces blood pressure in rats[2]. Helospectin I (0.1-0.8 nmol /kg, i.v.) increases plasma levels of glucagon in mice[3]. Animal Model: SD rats[2] Dosage: 0.03, 0.3, 1, 2 nM/kg Administration: 100 μL of infusion at the left jugular vein, followed by washing the catheter with 100 μL saline. Result: Reduced the blood pressure, but was less effective than vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the low dose range. Animal Model: Mice[3] Dosage: 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 nM /kg Administration: Intravenous injection (i.v.) Result: Markedly stimulated glucagon secretion, and had no direct action on insulin secretion.

[1]. Tsueshita T, et al. Helospectin I and II evoke vasodilation in the intact peripheral microcirculation. Peptides. 2004 Jan;25(1):65-9.  

[2]. Grundemar L, et al. Vascular effects of helodermin, helospectin I and helospectin II: a comparison with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Br J Pharmacol. 1990 Mar;99(3):526-8.  

[3]. Ahrén B. Effects of helospectin I on insulin and glucagon secretion in the mouse. Br J Pharmacol. 1991 Apr;102(4):916-8.  

[4]. Rai A, et al. Actions of Helodermatidae venom peptides and mammalian glucagon-like peptides on gastric chief cells. Am J Physiol. 1993 Jul;265(1 Pt 1):G118-25.