Vascular effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide: a comparison with vasoactive intestinal peptide

The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) on the blood pressure of the anesthetized rat and on the isolated rat tail artery were investigated and compared to those of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and the C-terminal fragment 16–38 caused a dose-dependent decrease in the systemic blood pressure. PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 were equipotent with VIP. The C-terminal fragment 16–38 was much less potent than VIP. The duration of action was longer for equimolar doses of PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 than for VIP and much longer than for PACAP 16–38. PACAP-27 and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram given in combination produced additive vasodepressive responses. In vitro PACAP-38, PACAP-27, VIP and PACAP 16–38 relaxed the phenylephrine-precontracted rat tail artery. PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 were equipotent with VIP. PACAP 16–38 was much less potent than the full-length peptides. The responses were resistant to atropine and propranolol. Addition of VIP 1 μM to preparations exposed to 1 μM PACAP-38 or -27 did not produce a further relaxation. VIP-like peptides, PACAP in particular, are known to activate adenylate cyclase and to elevate the plasma cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration. cAMP was found to be a potent vasodepressor in the anaesthetized rat and a potent vasodilator of precontracted blood vessels. On the basis of these results it cannot be excluded that the vascular effects of PACAP are secondary to the effect of elevated levels of extracellular cAMP.     

Innervation of the rat pineal gland by pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-immunoreactive nerve fibres

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)-immunoreactive nerve fibres were demonstrated in the rat pineal gland. These fibres entered the pineal gland through the conarian nerve at the distal tip of the gland. A high density of the fibres was observed in the capsule of the gland, from where the immunoreactive elements penetrated into the pineal perivascular spaces and parenchyma. The majority of PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres also contained calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Some PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres contained neuropeptide Y (NPY), but only occasionally was PACAP colocalized with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). After removal of both superior cervical ganglia, a high number of PACAP-containing nerve fibres were still present in the gland. In the nervous system PACAP is present in two isoforms, PACAP-38 and PACAP-27. The concentration of PACAP-38 in the superficial pineal gland was determined by radioimmunoassay to be 20.4 pmol/g tissue at midday and 18.9 pmol/g tissue at midnight. The concentration of PACAP-27 was only about 3% of the concentration of PACAP-38. In summary, this study is the first demonstration of a PACAP-containing innervation of the rat pineal gland. The PACAP concentration in the pineal gland does not exhibit a day-night difference. The colocalization of PACAP with calcitonin gene-related peptide in the pincalopetal nerve fibres indicates that the majority of PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres might originate from the trigeminal ganglion.     

Differences in Action of PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 on Guinea Pig Gallbladder Smooth Muscle Using Synthetic C-terminally Modified PACAP Peptides

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) occurs in two bioactive forms, PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 that have identical N-terminal sequences but differ by the presence of a C-terminal 11 residue elongation in the former. Although VIP and PACAP have several similar biological actions due to their amino acid sequence similarity, we have found that they evoke opposite responses in the guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle, where PACAP induces contraction while VIP causes relaxation. In addition the response to PACAP-38 is four times lower than that of PACAP-27. In a previous study we have reported the role of the N-terminal α-helical regions of PACAP-27 which play a key role in gallbladder contraction. In the present study the biological action on the guinea pig gallbladder was investigated using a synthetic mini-library of C-terminally deleted peptides related to PACAP-38. The effects caused by residues within the C-terminus are not a result of a response via the M-receptor or Na⁺ channel, but most likely arise from a delicate balance between the differential effects of PACAP-38 on specific PAC1 and VPACs receptors.     

Effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide on rat pancreatic exocrine secretion.

A novel neuropeptide, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), which has been isolated from ovine hypothalami, shows 68% homology with vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Since VIP stimulates amylase secretion from the pancreas, we investigated the effect of PACAP and VIP on rat pancreatic exocrine secretion after intravenous injections of PACAP-27, PACAP-38, or VIP at doses of 2.5, 5 or 10 nmol/kg. Results showed: 1) Bolus injection of PACAP stimulated pancreatic amylase and protein secretions in a dose-dependent manner; and 2) Stimulation of amylase secretion with 10 nmol/kg of PACAP-27 was greater than that induced with the same dose of VIP or PACAP-38 (p less than 0.05).     

Properties and distribution of receptors for pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) in rat brain and spinal cord.

A high density (in the pmol/mg protein range) of specific functional receptors for PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) was observed in membranes from rat brain cortex, olfactory bulb, hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum, pons and cervico-dorsal spinal cord, using [125I]PACAP-27 (PACAP 1-27). The tracer bound rapidly, specifically and reversibly. Competition binding curves were compatible with the coexistence, in the eight central nervous areas explored, of high and low affinity binding sites for PACAP-27 (Kd of 0.2 nM and 3.0 nM, respectively), and of only one class of binding sites for PACAP-38 (PACAP (1-38), Kd 0.2-0.9 nM). VIP inhibited only partially the binding of [125I]PACAP-27, and PHI, GRF(1-29)NH2 and secretin were ineffective at 1 microM. Chemical [125I]PACAP-27 cross-linking revealed a single specific 64 kDa protein species. In rat brain cortical membranes, saturation and competition experiments, using [125I]PACAP-38 as radioligand, indicated the presence of both high (Kd 0.13 nM) and low (Kd 8-10 nM) affinity binding sites for PACAP-38 and of low affinity (Kd 30 nM) binding sites for PACAP-27. These data taken collectively suggest the coexistence of PACAP-A receptors with a slight preference for PACAP-27 over PACAP-38 and of PACAP-B receptors that recognize PACAP-38 with a high affinity and PACAP-27 with low affinity. Both PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 stimulated adenylate cyclase with similar potency and efficacy. VIP was markedly less potent in this respect and also less efficient, except on cerebellar membranes.     

Identification of key residues that cause differential gallbladder response to PACAP and VIP in the guinea pig

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) have opposite actions on the gallbladder; PACAP induces contraction, whereas VIP induces relaxation. Here, we have attempted to identify key residues responsible for their interactions with PACAP (PAC1) and VIP (VPAC) receptors in the guinea pig gallbladder. We synthesized PACAP-27/VIP hybrid peptides and compared their actions on isolated guinea pig gallbladder smooth muscle strips using isotonic transducers. [Ala4]- and [Val5]PACAP-27 were more potent than PACAP-27 in stimulating the gallbladder. In contrast, [Ala4, Val5]- and [Ala4, Val5, Asn9]PACAP-27 induced relaxation similarly to VIP. [Asn9]-, [Thr11]-, or [Leu13]PACAP-27 had 20-70% contractile activity of PACAP-27, whereas [Asn24,Ser25,Ile26]PACAP-27 showed no change in the activity. All VIP analogs, including [Gly4,Ile5,Ser9]VIP, induced relaxation. In the presence of a PAC1 receptor antagonist, PACAP(6-38), the contractile response to PACAP-27 was inhibited and relaxation became evident. RT-PCR analysis revealed abundant expressions of PAC1 receptor, "hop" splice variant, and VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptor mRNAs in the guinea pig gallbladder. In conclusion, PACAP-27 induces contraction of the gallbladder via PAC1/hop receptors. Gly4 and Ile5 are the key NH2-terminal residues of PACAP-27 that distinguish PAC1/hop receptors from VPAC1/VPAC2 receptors. However, both the NH2-terminal and alpha-helical regions of PACAP-27 are required for initiating gallbladder contraction.     

Neuropeptides of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/helodermin/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide family elevate plasma cAMP in mice: comparison with a range of other regulatory peptides

A number of regulatory peptides were investigated for their ability to elevate plasma cAMP. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP)-27, PACAP-38, helodermin, helospectin I and II, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), glucagon, parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin and calcitonin gene-related peptide were among the peptides that were highly effective in raising plasma cAMP when given intravenously in equimolar doses to conscious mice. PACAP-27 and -38 were more effective than any of the other peptides. PACAP 16–38, secretin, gastrin-17, galanin, somatostatin, cholecystokinin-8s, pancreatic polypeptide, substance P, peptide YY and neuropeptide Y were inactive and also did not interfere with the PACAP-27-evoked rise in plasma cAMP levels. Repeated injections of PACAP-27 every 30 min caused a progressive reduction in the plasma cAMP response (measured 5 min after each injection). Forskolin, an activator of adenylate cyclase, dose-dependently raised the plasma concentration of cAMP and displayed a synergistic effect when given in a low dose concurrently with PTH or PACAP-38. The phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram dose-dependently raised the plasma concentration of cAMP. Combined treatment with PACAP-27 and a threshold dose of rolipram resulted in an exaggerated plasma cAMP response. Kidney hilus ligation suppressed the responses to PACAP-38, PTH, helodermin, helospectin, VIP, glucagon and calcitonin. Hepatectomy suppressed the response to glucagon but was without effect on the response to the other peptides. Pancreatectomy and spleenectomy reduced the response to VIP, but was without effect on the response to the other peptides. PACAP-27 stimulated cAMP efflux from the isolated rat tail vein. Hence, it cannot be excluded that blood vessels contribute to the peptide evoked plasma cAMP response in vivo.     

Modulation of nitrergic relaxant responses by peptides in the mouse gastric fundus

The effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP-38) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) were investigated in the gastric fundus strips of the mouse. In carbachol (CCh) precontracted strips, in the presence of guanethidine, electrical field stimulation (EFS) elicited a fast inhibitory response that may be followed, at the highest stimulation frequencies employed, by a sustained relaxation. The fast response was abolished by the nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor L-N(G)-nitro arginine (L-NNA) or by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor (ODQ), the sustained one by alpha-chymotrypsin. alpha-Chymotrypsin also increased the amplitude of the EFS-induced fast relaxation. PACAP-38 and VIP caused tetrodotoxin-insensitive sustained relaxant responses that were both abolished by alpha-chymotrypsin. Apamin did not influence relaxant responses to EFS nor relaxation to both peptides. PACAP 6-38 abolished EFS-induced sustained relaxations, increased the amplitude of the fast ones and antagonized the smooth muscle relaxation to both PACAP-38 and VIP. VIP 10-28 and [D-p-Cl-Phe6,Leu17]-VIP did not influence the amplitude of both the fast or the sustained response to EFS nor influenced the relaxation to VIP and PACAP-38. The results indicate that in strips from mouse gastric fundus peptides, other than being responsible for EFS-induced sustained relaxation, also exerts a modulatory action on the release of the neurotransmitter responsible for the fast relaxant response, that appears to be NO.     

Presence of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Receptors in Y-79 Human Retinoblastoma Cells

Abstract: Cytochemical analysis demonstrated that a high percentage of human Y-79 retinoblastoma cells displayed a specific labeling by the biotinyl derivative of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a novel neuropeptide of the secretin-vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) family of peptides. In cell membranes, the two molecular forms of PACAP, the one with 38 (PACAP 38) and the other with 27 (PACAP 27) amino acids, displaced the binding of ¹²⁵I-PACAP 27 with IC₅₀ values in the picomolar range and increased adenylyl cyclase activity by 100-fold with EC₅₀ values of 27 and 180 p M , respectively. VIP, human peptide histidine-isoleucine, glucagon, and secretin were much less effective and potent in both receptor assays. The PACAP receptor antagonists PACAP 6–27 and PACAP 6–38 and an antiserum directed against the stimulatory G protein G_s inhibited the PACAP stimulation of adenylyl cyclase. In intact cells, both PACAPs and VIP failed to stimulate the phosphoinositide hydrolysis, whereas in cell membranes PACAP 38, but not the other peptides, produced a modest increase (40%) of inositol phosphate formation with an EC₅₀ value of 22 n M . However, this effect was not antagonized by either PACAP 6–38 or PACAP 6–27. These data demonstrate the presence in human Y-79 retinoblastoma cells of specific PACAP receptors and provide further evidence that PACAP may act as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in mammalian retina.     

Functional characterization of a receptor for vasoactive-intestinal-peptide-related peptides in cultured dermal melanophores from Xenopus laevis

A receptor for vasoactive-intestinal-peptide (VIP)-related peptides was functionally characterized in a cell line derived from Xenopus melanophores using a recently described microtiter-plate-based bioassay. Activation of the melanophore VIP receptor by VIP or the peptides pituitary-adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP 38), PACAP 27, and helodermin stimulated intracellular 3'-5' cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation and pigment dispersion in the cells. Helodermin, with an EC50 (concentration of peptide inducing half-maximal melanosome dispersion) of 46.5 pM, was the most potent activator of pigment dispersion, followed by PACAP 38 > VIP > PACAP 27. A similar order of potencies was observed for the peptides to induce cAMP accumulation. The responses to VIP agonists were selectively inhibited by the VIP antagonists PACAP-(6-27) and (N-Ac-Tyr(1)-D-Phe2)-growth-hormone-releasing factor[GRF](1-29)-NH2. Taken together, the results suggest that the melanophores express a VIP receptor that shares certain characteristics of, but also differs significantly from, other previously identified VIP receptors.     

The novel VIP-like hypothalamic polypeptide PACAP interacts with high affinity receptors in the human neuroblastoma cell line NB-OK

We investigated the ability of two forms of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide [PACAP-38, the 38 amino acid peptide isolated from ovine hypothalamus, and PACAP-27, a shorter N-terminal (1-27) amidated version] to interact with specific receptors in membranes from the human neuroblastoma cell line NB-OK. [125I]PACAP-27 bound rapidly and specifically to one class of high affinity sites (Kd 0.5 nM). VIP inhibited [125I]PACAP-27 binding 300- to 1000-fold less potently than PACAP-27 and PACAP-38. One microM PHI prevented tracer binding only partially and secretin, glucagon and GRF(1-29)NH2 were ineffective in this respect. PACAP-27 and PACAP-38 stimulated adenylate cyclase activity dose dependently and with similar efficacy (Kact 0.2-0.3 nM), this activation being compatible with the occupancy of specific high affinity PACAP receptor. VIP was markedly less potent and less efficient on this enzyme than PACAP. Chemical cross-linking of [125I]PACAP-27 followed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography revealed specific cross-linking with a 68 kDa protein.     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-27 (PACAP-27) inhibits pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion in conscious rats.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a novel neuropeptide and has two amidated forms, PACAP-27 and PACAP-38. Its chemical structure is similar to that of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In our previous studies, we found that PACAP has a stimulatory effect on rat exocrine pancreas secretion and an inhibitory effect on rat gastrointestinal motility. These effects of PACAP-27 were greater than those of PACAP-38 and VIP. In the present study, we examined the effect of PACAP-27 on basal and pentagastrin (PG)-stimulated gastric acid secretion in conscious rats and compared its effect with that of VIP. Rats were equipped with a chronic gastric fistula and a permanent IV line and separately housed in metabolic cages. The effects of PACAP-27 and VIP at doses of 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 nmol/kg/h on basal and PG (24 micrograms/kg/h)-stimulated gastric acid secretion were tested. Our results showed that: (1) VIP had no significant effect on basal and PG-stimulated gastric acid secretion at the tested doses. (2) PACAP-27 had no effect on basal acid secretion but had a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on PG-stimulated gastric acid secretion. The highest inhibition by PACAP-27, 68.2 + 8.1%, was achieved at 5 nmol/kg/h. We suggest that PACAP may have a regulatory role in gastric acid secretion.     

Organ distribution and characterization of porcine peptides (VIP, CGRP and PHI) that increase cAMP in rat platelets.

Using an assay for rat platelet cAMP, we investigated the organ distribution of peptides that increase cAMP in rat platelets in porcine tissues. Marked activity was observed in the duodenum, pancreas and brain. By analysis with reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), three major peaks of activity were observed in porcine tissues. The first peak was vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and the second peak was calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The third peak of activity was isolated from porcine duodenum. By analysis with a gas phase sequencer and with an amino acid analyzer, this peptide was identified as peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI). In a glucagon-secretin family of neuropeptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) significantly increased platelet cAMP levels in a dose-dependent manner; however, glucagon did not. These results suggest that not only VIP and CGRP but also PHI and PACAP act upon platelets, as well as vascular tissues.     

Dissecting GHRH- and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-mediated signalling in Xenopus

The highly conserved neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in a broad variety of physiological processes. The PACAP precursor protein gives rise to three different peptides, the cryptic peptide, GHRH, and PACAP, respectively, and here we dissect their functional properties using Xenopus as model system. PACAP and GHRH but not the cryptic peptide directly neuralize animal caps. In contrast to GHRH, the neuralizing effect mediated by PACAP is independent of the PKA pathway. Moreover, PACAP but not GHRH behaves like a BMP-4 antagonist. Blastocoel injection of PACAP-38 but not of the closely related peptides PACAP-27 and VIP leads to strong anteriorization of the injected embryos suggesting the possible involvement of a novel PACAP-preferring receptor.     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the gastrointestinal tract of the rat: distribution and effects of capsaicin or denervation

The expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) was studied in the gastrointestinal tract (GI-tract) of normal rats using radioimmunoassay, chromatography, immunocytochemistry, and in situ hybridization. PACAP-38, PACAP-27, and PACAP-related peptide were demonstrated in all parts of the GI-tract, PACAP-38 being the predominant form confirmed by chromatography. PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibers and nerve cell bodies were found in the myenteric ganglia throughout the GI-tract. PACAP-containing nerve cell bodies were also demonstrated in the submucous ganglia of the small and large intestine. The synthesis of PACAP in intrinsic neurons was confirmed by in situ hybridization. Double immunostaining showed that PACAP is present in calcitonin gene-related peptide-containing sensory nerve fibers as well as in vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)- or VIP/gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP)-containing (intramural) nerve fibers in the upper GI-tract and in anally projecting, intrinsic VIP-and VIP/nitric oxide syntase-containing nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers in the small and large intestine. Neonatal treatment with capsaicin significantly reduced the concentration of PACAP-38 in the esophagus, stomach, and colon. Extrinsic denervation decreased the PACAP-38 concentration in the stomach, while no change was observed in the small intestine. These results indicate that PACAP- immunoreactive nerve fibers in the GI-tract originate from both intrinsic (enteric) and extrinsic (presumably sensory) sources suggesting that PACAP may have diverse gastrointestinal functions.     

Distribution of PACAP-38 in the central nervous system of various species determined by a novel radioimmunoassay

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) occurs in two molecular forms: PACAP-38 and PACAP-27. Soon after the isolation and chemical characterization of PACAP, the first radioimmunoassay (RIA) methods have been developed, but it is a still rarely used laboratory technique in the field of PACAP research. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel, highly specific PACAP-38 assay to investigate the quantitative distribution of PACAP-38 in the central nervous system of various vertebrate species under the same technical and experimental conditions. Different areas of the brain and the spinal cord were removed from rats, chickens and fishes and the tissue samples were processed for PACAP-38 RIA. Our results indicate that the antiserum used in the RIA is C-terminal specific, without affinity for other members of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)/secretin/glucagon peptide family. The average ID50 value was 48.6+/-3.4 fmol/ml determined in 10 consecutive assays. Detection limit for PACAP-38 proved to be 2 fmol/ml. PACAP-38 immunoreactivity was present in the examined brain areas of each species studied, with highest concentration in the rat diencephalons. High levels of PACAP-38 were also detected in the rat telencephalon, followed by spinal cord and brainstem. The central nervous system of the fish also contained considerable concentrations of PACAP-38, whereas lowest concentrations were measured in the central nervous system of the chicken.     

Identification and functional properties of the pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PAC1) receptor in human benign hyperplastic prostate

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is a novel neuropeptide with regulatory and trophic functions that is related to vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Here we investigate the expression of specific PACAP receptors (PAC1) and common VIP/PACAP receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) in the human hyperplastic prostate by immunological methods. The PAC1 receptor corresponded to a 60-KDa protein whereas the already known VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors possessed molecular masses of 58 and 68 KDa, respectively. The heterogeneity of VIP/PACAP receptors in this tissue was confirmed by radioligand binding studies using [125I]PACAP-27 by means of stoichiometric and pharmacological experiments. At least two classes of PACAP binding sites showing different affinities could be resolved, with Kd values of 0.81 and 51.4 nM, respectively. The order of potency in displacing [125I]PACAP-27 binding was PACAP-27 approximately equal to PACAP-38 > VIP. PACAP-27 and VIP stimulated similarly adenylate cyclase activity, presumably through common VIP/PACAP receptors. The PAC1 receptor was not coupled to activation of either adenylate cyclase, nitric oxide synthase, or phospholipase C. It appears to be a novel subtype of PAC1 receptor because PACAP-27 (but not PACAP-38 or VIP) led to increased phosphoinositide synthesis, an interesting feature because phosphoinositides are involved via receptor mechanisms in the regulation of cell proliferation.     

PAC1 and PACAP expression,signaling, and effect on the growth of HCT8, human colonic tumor cells

The pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type 1 receptor (PAC1) is a heptahelical, G protein-coupled receptor that has been shown to be expressed by non-squamous lung cancer and breast cancer cell lines, and to be coupled to the growth of these tumors. We have previously shown that PACAP and its receptor, PAC1, are expressed in rat colonic tissue. In this study, we used polyclonal antibodies directed against the COOH terminal of PAC1, as well as fluorescently labeled PACAP, Fluor-PACAP, to demonstrate the expression of PAC1 on HCT8 human colonic tumor cells, using FACS analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Similarly, anti-PACAP polyclonal antibodies were used to confirm the expression of PACAP hormone by this cell line. We then investigated the signal transduction properties of PAC1 in these tumor cells. PACAP-38 elevated intracellular cAMP levels in a dose-dependent manner, with a half-maximal (EC(50)) stimulation of approximately 3 nM. In addition, PACAP-38 stimulation caused an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)](i), which was partially inhibited by the PACAP antagonist, PACAP-(6-38). Finally, we studied the potential role of PACAP upon the growth of these tumor cells. We found that PACAP-38, but not VIP, increased the number of viable HCT8 cells, as measured by MTT activity. We also demonstrated that HCT8 cells expressed the Fas receptor (Fas-R/CD95), which was subsequently down-regulated upon activation with PACAP-38, further suggesting a possible role for PACAP in the growth and survival of these tumor cells. These data indicate that HCT8 human colon tumor cells express PAC1 and produce PACAP hormone. Furthermore, PAC1 activation is coupled to adenylate cyclase, increase cytosolic [Ca(2+)](i), and cellular proliferation. Therefore, PACAP is capable of increasing the number of viable cells and regulating Fas-R expression in a human colonic cancer cell line, suggesting that PACAP might play a role in the regulation of colon cancer growth and modulation of T lymphocyte anti-tumoral response via the Fas-R/Fas-L apoptotic pathway.     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in intrinsic and extrinsic nerves of the rat pancreas

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is the latest member of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) family of neuropeptides present in nerve fibres in many peripheral organs. Using double immunohistochemistry, with VIP as a marker for intrinsic innervation and calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) as a marker for mainly extrinsic innervation, the distribution and localization of PACAP were studied in the rat pancreas. PACAP was demonstrated in nerve fibres in all compartments of the pancreas and in a subpopulation of intrapancreatic VIP-containing ganglion cells. PACAP and VIP were co-stored in intra- and interlobular nerve fibres innervating acini, blood vessels, and in nerve fibres within the islets of Langerhans. No PACAP immunoreactivity was observed in the islet cells. Another population of PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres co-localized with CGRP innervated ducts, blood vessels and acini. PACAP/CGRP-positive nerve fibres were also demonstrated within the islets. Neonatal capsaicin reduced the PACAP-38 concentration by approximately 50%, and accordingly a marked reduction in PACAP/CGRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the exocrine and endocrine pancreas was observed. Bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy caused a slight but significant decrease in the PACAP-38 concentration compared with controls. In conclusion, PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres in the rat pancreas seem to have dual origin: extrinsic, most probably sensory fibres co-storing CGRP; and intrinsic, constituting a subpopulation of VIP-containing nerve cell bodies and fibres innervating acinar cells and islet cells. Our data provide a morphological basis for the reported effects of PACAP in the pancreas and suggest that PACAP-containing nerves in the rat pancreas may have both efferent and sensory functions.     

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide activates K(ATP) current in rat atrial myocytes

Because the electrophysiological effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) on the heart are little known, we studied the regulation of the atrial ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) current by PACAP on primary cultured neonatal rat atrial myocytes. PACAP-38 stimulates cAMP production with EC(50) = 0.28 nmol/l (r = 0.92, P < 0.02). PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 (10 nmol/l) have similar maximal effects, whereas 100 nmol/l vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is 2.7 times less effective (P < 0.05). RT-PCR shows the presence of cloned PACAP receptors PAC(1) (> or =2 isoforms), VPAC(1), and VPAC(2). PACAP-38 dose dependently activates the whole cell atrial K(ATP) current with EC(50) = 1-3 nmol/l (n = 44). Maximal effects occur at 10 nmol/l (91 +/- 15 pA/pF, n = 18). Diazoxide further increases the PACAP-activated current by 78% (P < 0.05; n = 6). H(89) (500 nmol/l), a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, reduces the PACAP-activated K(ATP) current to 17.8 +/- 9.6% (n = 5) of the maximal diazoxide-induced current and totally inhibits the cAMP-induced K(ATP) current. A protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor peptide (50 micromol/l) in the pipette reduces the PACAP-38-induced K(ATP) current to 33 +/- 17 pA/pF (P < 0.05, n = 6) without significantly affecting the currents induced by cAMP or VIP. The results suggest that: 1) PAC(1), VPAC(1), and VPAC(2) are present in atrial myocytes; and 2) PACAP-38 activates the atrial K(ATP) channels through both PKA and PKC pathways.