[Vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC)/mouse ET-2 and VIC receptor: biological activity, gene expression, and specific receptor].

Using molecular biology techniques with the Endothelin (ET) cDNA as a probe, we discovered a novel peptide, vasoactive intestinal contractor (VIC). VIC differed from ET (= ET-1) in 3 amino acid residues. Synthetic VIC had in vivo pressor and in vitro vasoconstrictor activity such as that of ET. Northern blot analysis, however, indicated the VIC gene to be expressed in the intestine. Furthermore, VIC evoked stronger contractile response in ileum than ET. VIC may thus possibly be reasonably classified as a gut peptide. From the cDNA sequence analysis, the mature VIC is predicted to be produced via an intermediate from the deduced prepro VIC.