Pituitary adenylate cyclase–activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution and diverse biological functions. Several studies show that PACAP has strong cytoprotective effects mediated mostly through its specific PAC1 receptor (PAC1-R) and it plays important roles in several pathological conditions. Its distribution and altered expression are known in various human tissues, but there is no descrip...

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread occurrence and diverse functions. PACAP binds to specific PAC1 and non-specific VPAC1/2 receptors. PACAP is considered as a growth factor, as it plays important roles during development and participates in reparative processes. Highest concentrations are found in the nervous system and endocrine glands, where several functions are know...