Vasoactive intestinal peptide protects against ischemic brain damage induced by focal cerebral ischemia in rats

► We investigate the effects of VIP on transient ischemic brain damage. ► Treatment with VIP reduces the infarct volume after MCAO. ► VIP decreases TUNEL staining and S100B immunoreactivity in the periinfarct area. ► VIP attenuates serum S100B elevation due to the inhibition of S100B expression. ► VIP reduces brain damage involved to inhibition of apoptosis and S100B expression.