Involvement of p38 MAP kinase pathway in the synergistic activation of PACAP mRNA expression by NGF and PACAP in PC12h cells

PKA, novel PKC isoforms, and ERK is mediating PACAP auto-regulation via PAC1R in human neuroblastoma NB-1 cells

The neuropeptide PACAP is expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system where it modulates diverse physiological functions including neuropeptide gene expression. We here report that in human neuroblastoma NB-1 cells PACAP transiently induces its own expression. Maximal PACAP mRNA expression was found after stimulation with PACAP for 3h. PACAP auto-regulation was found to be mediated by activation of PACAP specific PAC₁Rs as PACAP had >100-fold higher efficacy than VIP, and the PAC₁R selective agonist Maxadilan potently induced PACAP gene expression. Experiments with pharmacological kinase inhibitors revealed that both PKA and novel but not conventional PKC isozymes were involved in the PACAP auto-regulation. Inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK) also impeded the induction, and we found that PKA, novel PKC and ERK acted in parallel and were thus not part of the same pathways. The expression of the transcription factor EGR1 previously ascribed as target of PACAP signalling was found to be transiently induced by PACAP and pharmacological inhibition of either PKC or MEK1/2 abolished PACAP mediated EGR1 induction. In contrast, inhibition of PKA mediated increased PACAP mediated EGR1 induction. Experiments using siRNA against EGR1 to lower the expression did however not affect the PACAP auto-regulation indicating that this immediate early gene product is not part of PACAP auto-regulation in NB-1 cells. We here reveal that in NB-1 neuroblastoma cells, PACAP induces its own expression by activation of PAC₁R, and that the signalling is different from the PAC₁R signalling mediating induction of VIP in the same cells. PACAP auto-regulation depends on parallel activation of PKA, novel PKC isoforms, and ERK, while EGR1 does not seem to be part of the PACAP auto-regulation.

Neuroleptic Drugs and PACAP Differentially Affect the mRNA Expression of Genes Encoding PAC1/VPAC Type Receptors

Several lines of evidence suggest that pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide playing an important role as a neuromodulator. It has been indicated that PACAP is associated with mental diseases, and that regulation of the PACAPergic signals could be a potential target for the treatment of such psychiatric states as schizophrenia. Recent studies have suggested that action of neuroleptic drugs is mediated not only by dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission, but also via neuropeptides which may act both as neurotransmitters and as neuromodulators. The present study examines whether currently-used neuroleptics influence the action of PACAP receptors, whose expression is altered in a schizophrenic patient. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine the effects of haloperidol, olanzapine and amisulpride on the expression of genes coding PAC1/VPAC type receptors in the T98G glioblastoma cell line, as an example of an in vitro model of glial cells. PAC1 mRNA expression fell after 24-h incubation with haloperidol or olanzapine; however the effect was not maintained after 72 h, and haloperidol even up-regulated PAC1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. All the examined drugs decreased VPAC2 mRNA expression, especially after 72-h incubation. Haloperidol (typical neuroleptic) was distinctly more potent than atypical neuroleptic drugs (olanzapine and amisulpride). In addition, PACAP increased PAC1 and VPAC2 mRNA expression. In conclusion, our findings suggest PACAP receptors may be involved in the mechanism of typical and atypical neuroleptic drugs.

PACAP enhances axon outgrowth in cultured hippocampal neurons to a comparable extent as BDNF

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts neurotrophic activities including modulation of synaptic plasticity and memory, hippocampal neurogenesis, and neuroprotection, most of which are shared with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare morphological effects of PACAP and BDNF on primary cultured hippocampal neurons. At days in vitro (DIV) 3, PACAP increased neurite length and number to similar levels by BDNF, but vasoactive intestinal polypeptide showed much lower effects. In addition, PACAP increased axon, but not dendrite, length, and soma size at DIV 3 similarly to BDNF. The PACAP antagonist PACAP6–38 completely blocked the PACAP-induced increase in axon, but not dendrite, length. Interestingly, the BDNF-induced increase in axon length was also inhibited by PACAP6–38, suggesting a mechanism involving PACAP signaling. K252a, a TrkB receptor inhibitor, inhibited axon outgrowth induced by PACAP and BDNF without affecting dendrite length. These results indicate that in primary cultured hippocampal neurons, PACAP shows morphological actions via its cognate receptor PAC₁, stimulating neurite length and number, and soma size to a comparable extent as BDNF, and that the increase in total neurite length is ascribed to axon outgrowth.

The effects of neurotrophins and the neuropeptides VIP and PACAP on HIV-1 infection: histories with opposite ends

The nerve growth factor (NGF) and other neurotrophins, and the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) are largely present in human tissue and can exert modulatory activities on nervous, endocrine and immune system functions. NGF, VIP and PACAP receptors are expressed systemically in organisms, and thus these mediators exhibit pleiotropic natures. The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the causal agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), infects immune cells, and its replication is modulated by a number of endogenous factors that interact with HIV-1-infected cells. NGF, VIP and PACAP can also affect HIV-1 virus particle production upon binding to their receptors on the membranes of infected cells, which triggers cell signaling pathways that modify the HIV-1 replicative cycle. These molecules exert opposite effects on HIV-1 replication, as NGF and other neurotrophins enhance and VIP and PACAP reduce viral production in HIV-1-infected human primary macrophages. The understanding of AIDS pathogenesis should consider the mechanisms by which the replication of HIV-1, a pathogen that causes chronic morbidity, is influenced by neurotrophins, VIP and PACAP, i.e. molecules that exert a broad spectrum of physiological activities on the neuroimmunoendocrine axis. In this review, we will present the main effects of these two groups of mediators on the HIV-1 replicative cycle, as well as the mechanisms that underlie their abilities to modulate HIV-1 production in infected immune cells, and discuss the possible repercussion of the cross talk between NGF and both neuropeptides on the pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase in synergistic neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells mediated through P90RSK

Background

Synergistic multi-ligand treatments that can induce neuronal differentiation offer valuable strategies to regulate and modulate neurite outgrowth. Whereas the signaling pathways mediating single ligand-induced neurite outgrowth, such as Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38), have been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying multi-ligand synergistic neurite outgrowth are poorly understood. In an attempt to gain insight into synergistic neurite outgrowth, PC12 cells were treated with one of three combinations: pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) with epidermal growth factor (EP), basic fibroblast growth factor (FP), or nerve growth factor (NP) and then challenged with the appropriate kinase inhibitors to assess the signaling pathways involved in the process.

Results

Response surface analyses indicated that synergistic neurite outgrowth was regulated by distinct pathways in these systems. Synergistic increases in the phosphorylation of Erk and JNK, but not Akt or P38, were observed with the three growth factor-PACAP combinations. Unexpectedly, we identified a synergistic increase in JNK phosphorylation, which was involved in neurite outgrowth in the NP and FP, but not EP, systems. Inhibition of JNK using the SP600125 inhibitor reduced phosphorylation of 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (P90RSK) in the NP and FP, but not EP, systems. This suggested the involvement of P90RSK in mediating the differential effects of JNK in synergistic neurite outgrowth.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings reveal the involvement of distinct signaling pathways in regulating neurite outgrowth in response to different synergistic growth factor-PACAP treatments. Our findings demonstrate a hitherto unrecognized mechanism of JNK-P90RSK in mediating synergistic neurite outgrowth induced by the co-treatment of growth factors and PACAP.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) inhibits the slow afterhyperpolarizing current sIAHP in CA1 pyramidal neurons by activating multiple signaling pathways

The slow afterhyperpolarizing current (sIAHP ) is a calcium-dependent potassium current that underlies the late phase of spike frequency adaptation in hippocampal and neocortical neurons. sIAHP is a well-known target of modulation by several neurotransmitters acting via the cyclic AMP (cAMP) and protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent pathway. The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) and its receptors are present in the hippocampal formation. In this study we have investigated the effect of PACAP on the sIAHP and the signal transduction pathway used to modulate intrinsic excitability of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. We show that PACAP inhibits the sIAHP , resulting in a decrease of spike frequency adaptation, in rat CA1 pyramidal cells. The suppression of sIAHP by PACAP is mediated by PAC1 and VPAC1 receptors. Inhibition of PKA reduced the effect of PACAP on sIAHP, suggesting that PACAP exerts part of its inhibitory effect on sIAHP by increasing cAMP and activating PKA. The suppression of sIAHP by PACAP was also strongly hindered by the inhibition of p38 MAP kinase (p38 MAPK). Concomitant inhibition of PKA and p38 MAPK indicates that these two kinases act in a sequential manner in the same pathway leading to the suppression of sIAHP. Conversely, protein kinase C is not part of the signal transduction pathway used by PACAP to inhibit sIAHP in CA1 neurons. Our results show that PACAP enhances the excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons by inhibiting the sIAHP through the activation of multiple signaling pathways, most prominently cAMP/PKA and p38 MAPK. Our findings disclose a novel modulatory action of p38 MAPK on intrinsic excitability and the sIAHP, underscoring the role of this current as a neuromodulatory hub regulated by multiple protein kinases in cortical neurons.

Temporal decoding of MAP kinase and CREB phosphorylation by selective immediate early gene expression

A wide range of growth factors encode information into specific temporal patterns of MAP kinase (MAPK) and CREB phosphorylation, which are further decoded by expression of immediate early gene products (IEGs) to exert biological functions. However, the IEG decoding system remain unknown. We built a data-driven based on time courses of MAPK and CREB phosphorylation and IEG expression in response to various growth factors to identify how signal is processed. We found that IEG expression uses common decoding systems regardless of growth factors and expression of each IEG differs in upstream dependency, switch-like response, and linear temporal filters. Pulsatile ERK phosphorylation was selectively decoded by expression of EGR1 rather than c-FOS. Conjunctive NGF and PACAP stimulation was selectively decoded by synergistic JUNB expression through switch-like response to c-FOS. Thus, specific temporal patterns and combinations of MAPKs and CREB phosphorylation can be decoded by selective IEG expression via distinct temporal filters and switch-like responses. The data-driven modeling is versatile for analysis of signal processing and does not require detailed prior knowledge of pathways.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and its receptors: 20 years after the discovery

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a 38-amino acid C-terminally alpha-amidated peptide that was first isolated 20 years ago from an ovine hypothalamic extract on the basis of its ability to stimulate cAMP formation in anterior pituitary cells (Miyata et al., 1989. PACAP belongs to the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-secretin-growth hormone-releasing hormone-glucagon superfamily. The sequence of PACAP has been remarkably well conserved during evolution from protochordates to mammals, suggesting that PACAP is involved in the regulation of important biological functions. PACAP is widely distributed in the brain and peripheral organs, notably in the endocrine pancreas, gonads, respiratory and urogenital tracts. Characterization of the PACAP precursor has revealed the existence of a PACAP-related peptide, the activity of which remains unknown. Two types of PACAP binding sites have been characterized: type I binding sites exhibit a high affinity for PACAP and a much lower affinity for VIP, whereas type II binding sites have similar affinity for PACAP and VIP. Molecular cloning of PACAP receptors has shown the existence of three distinct receptor subtypes: the PACAP-specific PAC1-R, which is coupled to several transduction systems, and the PACAP/VIP-indifferent VPAC1-R and VPAC2-R, which are primarily coupled to adenylyl cyclase. PAC1-Rs are particularly abundant in the brain, the pituitary and the adrenal gland, whereas VPAC receptors are expressed mainly in lung, liver, and testis. The development of transgenic animal models and specific PACAP receptor ligands has strongly contributed to deciphering the various actions of PACAP. Consistent with the wide distribution of PACAP and its receptors, the peptide has now been shown to exert a large array of pharmacological effects and biological functions. The present report reviews the current knowledge concerning the pleiotropic actions of PACAP and discusses its possible use for future therapeutic applications.

Role of PACAP in the physiology and pathology of the sympathoadrenal system

Sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells derive from common sympathoadrenal precursors which arise from the neural crest. Cells from this lineage migrate to their final destination and differentiate by acquiring a catecholaminergic phenotype in response to different environmental factors. It has been shown that the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its PAC1 receptor are expressed at early stages of sympathetic development, and participate to the control of neuroblast proliferation and differentiation. PACAP also acts as a neurotransmitter to stimulate catecholamine and neuropeptide biosynthesis and release from sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells, during development and in adulthood. In addition, PACAP and its receptors have been described in neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma, and the neuropeptide regulates the differentiation and activity of sympathoadrenal-derived tumoral cell lines, suggestive of an important role in the pathophysiology of the sympathoadrenal lineage. Transcriptome studies uncovered genes and pathways of known and unknown roles that underlie the effects of PACAP in the sympathoadrenal system.

[Molecular pharmacologic approaches to functional analysis of new biological target molecules for drug discovery]

This review focuses on two pharmacologic approaches to the functional evaluation of new target molecules for drug discovery. One is the development of a novel specific antagonist of the Na(+)-Ca(++) exchanger (NCX) SEA0400. The other is a comprehensive analysis of the functions of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a neuropeptide ligand for G protein-coupled receptors. NCX is the one of the last target molecules regulating the cellular Ca(++) concentration. There was no efficient way to address the pathophysiologic roles of NCX until a specific antagonist, 2-[4-[(2,5-difluorophenyl)methoxy]phenoxy]-5-ethoxyaniline (SEA0400), was developed. Our recent studies using SEA0400 clearly showed the possible roles of NCX in several pathologic states of cardiovascular and nervous tissues. In our second approach including gene-targeting methods, we found new, unexpected roles of PACAP in higher brain functions, such as psychomotor, cognition, photoentrainment, and nociception. Based on these experimental findings, a genetic association study in schizophrenia patients revealed that the single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the PACAP gene are significantly associated with the hypofunction of the hippocampus. Regarding the peripheral roles of PACAP, we found that PACAP is involved not only in the regulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic islets, but also in the regulation of islet turnover. In subsequent phenotypic analysis of PACAP transgenic mice, we identified novel candidate genes that probably have promising functional roles.

A novel cyclic AMP-dependent Epac-Rit signaling pathway contributes to PACAP38-mediated neuronal differentiation

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP38) stimulation results in the activation of G(s)alpha protein-coupled receptors to regulate neuronal differentiation in a cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent manner. These pathways involve protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent processes, but a growing body of evidence indicates that cAMP also regulates cellular functions through PKA-independent signaling cascades. Here we show that the Rit small GTPase is regulated by PACAP38 in a cAMP-dependent but PKA-independent fashion. Rit activation results from stimulation of the cAMP-activated guanine nucleotide exchange factor Epac but does not appear to rely upon the activation of Rap GTPases, the accepted cellular Epac substrates. Although RNA interference studies demonstrated that Epac is required for PACAP38-mediated Rit activation, neither Epac1 nor Epac2 activates Rit directly, indicating that Epac signals to Rit through a novel mechanism in which Rap signaling is not essential. Loss-of-function analysis demonstrated that Rit makes an important contribution to PACAP38-mediated neuronal differentiation. Surprisingly, although Rit is required for sustained extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling following nerve growth factor stimulation of pheochromocytoma 6 (PC6) cells, Rit silencing selectively suppressed PACAP38-elicited activation of p38, without obvious effects on ERK signaling in the same cells. Moreover, the ability of PACAP38 to stimulate CREB-dependent transcription and to promote neurite outgrowth was inhibited by Rit knockdown. Together, these studies identify an unsuspected connection between cAMP and Rit signaling pathways and imply that Rit can function downstream of G(s)alpha/cAMP/Epac in a novel signal transduction pathway necessary for PACAP38-mediated neuronal differentiation and CREB signaling.

Nerve growth factor regulates adrenergic expression

The mechanism by which nerve growth factor (NGF) regulates adrenergic expression was examined in PC-12 cells transfected with a rat phenylethanolamine N-methyl-transferase (PNMT) promoter-luciferase reporter gene construct pGL3RP893. NGF treatment increased PNMT promoter-driven luciferase activity in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Induction was attenuated by inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway ( approximately 60%) but not by inhibition of the protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C, phosphoinositol kinase, or p38 MAPK pathways. Deletion PNMT promoter-luciferase reporter gene constructs showed that the NGF-responsive sequences lay within the proximal -392 base pairs (bp) of PNMT promoter, wherein binding elements for Egr-1 (-165 bp) and Sp1 (-48 bp) reside. Western analysis further showed that NGF increased nuclear levels of Egr-1, but not Sp1 or the catalytic subunit of PKA. Gel mobility shift assays showed increased potential for Egr-1, but not Sp1, protein-DNA binding complex formation. Mutation of either the Egr-1 or Sp1 binding sites in the PNMT promoter attenuated NGF activation. NGF, combined with pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating protein (PACAP), another PNMT transcriptional activator, cooperatively stimulated PNMT promoter driven-luciferase activity beyond levels observed with either neurotrophin alone. Finally, post-transcriptional control seems to be another important mechanism by which neurotrophins regulate the adrenergic phenotype. NGF, PACAP, and a combination of the two stimulated both intron-retaining and intronless PNMT mRNA and PNMT protein, but to different extents.

The neurotrophic effects of PACAP in PC12 cells: control by multiple transduction pathways

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) are closely related members of the secretin superfamily of neuropeptides expressed in both the brain and peripheral nervous system, and they exhibit neurotrophic and neurodevelopmental effects in vivo. Like the index member of the Trk receptor ligand family, nerve growth factor (NGF), PACAP promotes the differentiation of PC12 cells, a well-established cell culture model, to investigate neuronal differentiation, survival and function. Stimulation of catecholamine secretion and enhanced neuropeptide biosynthesis are effects exerted by PACAP at the adrenomedullary synapse in vivo and on PC12 cells in vitro through stimulation of the specific PAC1 receptor. Induction of neuritogenesis, growth arrest, and promotion of cell survival are effects of PACAP that occur in developing cerebellar, hippocampal and cortical neurons, as well as in the more tractable PC12 cell model. Study of the mechanisms through which PACAP exerts its various effects on cell growth, morphology, gene expression and survival, i.e. its actions as a neurotrophin, in PC12 cells is the subject of this review. The study of neurotrophic signalling by PACAP in PC12 cells reveals that multiple independent pathways are coordinated in the PACAP response, some activated by classical and some by novel or combinatorial signalling mechanisms.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) induces differentiation in the neuronal F11 cell line through a PKA-dependent pathway

PACAP is a peptide with neuroprotective activity, which induces adenylate cyclase and protein kinase A (PKA) activity. PACAP has also been shown to induce neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Here, we report that exogenous PACAP38 promotes neurite outgrowth in the F11 neuroblastoma/dorsal DRG hybrid cell line. Using an automated microscopy system, we show that PACAP38 induces a 170-fold increase in neurite length, with an EC50 of 3.1 nM, compared to 3.7 microM for forskolin and 143.4 microM for dibutyril cyclic AMP (dbcAMP). PACAP38 induced a 4-fold increase in the level of phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB) in F11 cells with an EC50 of 130 pM. In contrast a peptide related to PACAP, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) failed to induce CREB phosphorylation or neurite outgrowth in F11 cells. Addition of the nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX) increased the potency of PACAP at inducing neurite outgrowth by ten-fold. The PKA inhibitor, H89, was a potent inhibitor of PACAP38-induced neurite outgrowth. The delta-opioid receptor agonist, SNC 80, did not inhibit PACAP-induced neurogenesis even though it did reduce CREB phosphorylation. In contrast to previous studies in PC12 cells, PACAP38 failed to show MEK1 activation in F11 cells. PACAP is upregulated in DRG neurons as a result of injury, and F11 cells provide an easily accessible in vitro model for understanding mechanisms underlying PACAP differentiation and neurogenesis.

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase activating protein is a physiological activator of human monocytes

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating protein (PACAP) and its structurally related vasointestinal peptide (VIP) bind to three G-protein-coupled receptors named VPAC1 and VPAC2 for VIP/PACAP receptors and PAC1 for PACAP preferred receptors. We report that in freshly isolated human monocytes PACAP acts as a pro-inflammatory molecule. By RT-PCR, VPAC1 mRNA was the only receptor found to be expressed; VPAC1 protein was detected by Western blotting and visualized by immunohistochemistry. Signaling pathways activated by PACAP include the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), the stress-activated MAPK p38, the focal adhesion kinase, Pyk2 and its associated cytoskeleton protein paxillin and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K). PACAP induces a transient peak in cytoplasmic calcium associated with an increase in reactive oxygen species production and upregulation in membrane expression of the integrin CD11b as well as the complement receptor 1. Control of the different pathways and functions stimulated by PACAP were evaluated using Phospholipase C (PLC), PI-3K, ERK and p38 MAPK inhibitors and led to the conclusion that PLC and to a lesser degree PI-3K activation are upstream events occurring in VPAC1 mediated PACAP stimulation of monocytes and are in contrast to ERK and p38 mandatory for the initiation of other cellular events associated with monocytes activation.

Endogenous Ligands of PACAP/VIP Receptors in the Autocrine–Paracrine Regulation of the Adrenal Gland

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) are the main endogenous ligands of a class of G protein-coupled receptors (Rs). Three subtypes of PACAP/VIP Rs have been identified and named PAC(1)-Rs, VPAC(1)-Rs, and VPAC(2)-Rs. The PAC(1)-R almost exclusively binds PACAP, while the other two subtypes bind with about equal efficiency VIP and PACAP. VIP, PACAP, and their receptors are widely distributed in the body tissues, including the adrenal gland. VIP and PACAP are synthesized in adrenomedullary chromaffin cells, and are released in the adrenal cortex and medulla by VIPergic and PACAPergic nerve fibers. PAC(1)-Rs are almost exclusively present in the adrenal medulla, while VPAC(1)-Rs and VPAC(2)-Rs are expressed in both the adrenal cortex and medulla. Evidence indicates that VIP and PACAP, acting via VPAC(1)-Rs and VPAC(2)-Rs coupled to adenylate cyclase (AC)- and phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent cascades, stimulate aldosterone secretion from zona glomerulosa (ZG) cells. There is also proof that they can also enhance aldosterone secretion indirectly, by eliciting the release from medullary chromaffin cells of catecholamines and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn may act on the cortical cells in a paracrine manner. The involvement of VIP and PACAP in the regulation of glucocorticoid secretion from inner adrenocortical cells is doubtful and surely of minor relevance. VIP and PACAP stimulate the synthesis and release of adrenomedullary catecholamines, and all three subtypes of PACAP/VIP Rs mediate this effect, PAC(1)-Rs being coupled to AC, VPAC(1)-Rs to both AC and PLC, and VPAC(2)-Rs only to PLC. A privotal role in the catecholamine secretagogue action of VIP and PACAP is played by Ca(2+). VIP and PACAP may also modulate the growth of the adrenal cortex and medulla. The concentrations attained by VIP and PACAP in the blood rule out the possibility that they act as true circulating hormones. Conversely, their adrenal content is consistent with a local autocrine-paracrine mechanism of action.

Neuroprotective action of endogenous PACAP in cultured rat cortical neurons

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts neurotrophic effects both in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrate the upregulation of PACAP mRNA expression in cultured rat cortical neurons after excitotoxic glutamate exposure, and the exacerbating effect of the PACAP receptor antagonist, PACAP(6-38), on neuronal viability. PACAP mRNA levels were increased up to 3.5-fold 8 h after glutamate exposure. PACAP(6-38) decreased the viability of cortical neurons, irrespective of whether the cells were exposed to glutamate or not. PACAP(6-38) also inhibited glutamate-induced expression of PACAP mRNA, suggesting that PACAP acts via an autocrine or paracrine mechanism to enhance PACAP expression itself. Glutamate exposure is known to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression. This increased expression was markedly suppressed by PACAP(6-38). Our previous study has shown that PACAP stimulates the PACAP gene transcription in PC12 cells. Taken together, these data may suggest that endogenous PACAP regulates the expression of PACAP itself and BDNF. Although it may also be possible that PACAP(6-38)-induced death of PACAP and BDNF mRNA-expressing cells, per se, results in reduced levels of these mRNAs, the present results support the idea that endogenous PACAP has a neuroprotective action.

PACAP facilitate the nerve regeneration factors in the facial nerve injury

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been reported as a strong neurotrophic factor in the various sites of nervous system. The facial nerve injury is one of the common problems in patients at the Otolaryngology since the nerve damage could occur easily due to the anatomical characteristics. Once it happens, the regeneration is little observed and functional recovery is poor. Thus, we investigated that PACAP might have some influence for regeneration after the facial nerve transaction in the guinea pig. PACAP treatment accelerated time for the appearance of compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) after the nerve transaction (first appeared at 1 versus 2 weeks in control) and shortened the latency at 4 weeks. The number of myelinated fibers increased at 4 weeks. Histochemical demonstration of GAP-43, a growth cone protein, was observed at the injury area at 2-4 days. PACAP increased the level of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a neurotrophin, in facial target muscles at 1 day-4 weeks. These data indicated that PACAP promotes the regeneration factors and increases the possibility of functional recovery following the facial nerve injury.

PACAP activates Rac1 and synergizes with NGF to activate ERK1/2, thereby inducing neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells

The mechanisms linked to the neuritogenic effect of PACAP acting in synergy with NGF were analyzed in PC12 cells. Recently, we have shown that PACAP synergizes with NGF to stimulate PACAP gene transcription and neurite outgrowth, differentially dependent on both the ERK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase pathways in PC12 cells. This suggests that PACAP modulates mitogen signaling pathways governing cell differentiation, in part through MAP kinase activation and an autocrine mechanism. Here, we studied the mechanism of the underlying neuritogenic actions of PACAP. PACAP induced transient activation of Rac1, a small GTPase involved in neurite outgrowth, in a PI3-kinase-independent manner, and stimulated accumulation of active Rac1 at filamentous actin-rich protrusions on the cell surface to induce subsequent neurite formation. PACAP had no additional effect on the activity of Rac1 beyond the effect of NGF and failed to activate Ras or Cdc42. By contrast, simultaneous treatment with PACAP and NGF acts in synergy to induce prolonged activation of ERK1/2. These results indicate for the first time that PACAP induces activation of Rac1 associated with neurite outgrowth and suggest that the synergistic effect of PACAP and NGF on neurite extension is due to enhanced activation of ERK1/2.

[The regulatory mechanism for neuron specific expression of PACAP gene]

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a pleiotropic neuropeptide, is present abundantly in the central nervous system. In the 5'-flanking region of the PACAP gene, we found and characterized two negative regulatory elements, which are homologous to the neural-restrictive silencer element (NRSE). Their sequence and position were significantly conserved among mouse, human, and rat PACAP genes. NRSE is a crucial negative-acting DNA regulatory element for neuron-specific gene expression. NRSE acts through the transcription factor known as neural-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF). In non-neuronal cells, NRSF suppresses the expression of neuron-specific genes. On the other hand, in neuronal cells, NRnV, a NRSF truncated form, repress their expressions in a dominant negative manner. The electrophoretic mobility shift assay with 3T3 cells extract demonstrated the identical complexes among NRSLE-1, NRSLE2, and the NRSE of rat type II sodium channel gene. In the luciferase reporter assay, NRSLEs suppressed SV40 promoter activity in 3T3 cells, but not in PC12 cells. RT-PCR analysis revealed that PACAP and NRnV mRNAs are expressed in neuronal cells (differentiated PC12), but not in non-neuronal cells (3T3 or C6). These results suggested that the NRSE-NRSF system might be involved in the regulatory mechanism of neuron-specific expression of the PACAP gene.

Overexpression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in islets inhibits hyperinsulinemia and islet hyperplasia in agouti yellow mice

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is an intraislet neuropeptide and shares insulinotropic and insulin-sensitizing properties with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1); however, the pathophysiological significance of PACAP in diabetes remains largely unknown. To assess this, we crossed our recently developed transgenic mice overexpressing PACAP in pancreatic beta-cells (Tg/+), with lethal yellow agouti (KKA(y)) mice (A(y)/+), a genetic model for obesity-diabetes, and examined the metabolic and morphological phenotypes of F(1) animals. Tg/+ mice with the A(y) allele (Tg/+:A(y)/+) developed maturity-onset obesity and diabetes associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperphagia, similar to those of A(y)/+ mice, but hyperinsulinemia was significantly ameliorated in Tg/+:A(y)/+ mice. Although A(y)/+ mice exhibited a marked increase in islet mass resulting from hyperplasia and hypertrophy, this increase was significantly attenuated in Tg/+:A(y)/+ mice. Size frequency distribution analysis revealed that the very large islets comprising one-fourth of islets of A(y)/+ mice were selectively reduced in Tg/+:A(y)/+ mice. Because functional defects have been demonstrated in the large islets of obese animal models, together these findings suggest that PACAP regulates hyperinsulinemia and the abnormal increase in islet mass that occurs during the diabetic process.

Possible involvement of a cyclic AMP-dependent mechanism in PACAP-induced proliferation and ERK activation in astrocytes

In cultured astrocytes, PACAP activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and induces cell proliferation at picomolar concentrations. Here, we examined the role of cyclic AMP signaling underlying the effects of PACAP. PACAP38 induced accumulation of cyclic AMP in astrocytes at concentrations as low as 10(-12)M. PACAP38 (10(-12)-10(-9)M)-stimulated cell proliferation was completely abolished by the cyclic AMP antagonist Rp-cAMP, whereas the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 had no effect. This PACAP38-mediated effect was also abolished by the ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059, suggesting the involvement of ERK in PACAP-induced proliferation. PACAP38 (10(-12)M)-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK lasted for at least 60 min. This effect was completely abolished by Rp-cAMP but not by H89. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP maximally stimulated the incorporation of thymidine and activation of ERK at 10(-10)M. These results suggest that PACAP-mediated stimulation of ERK activity and proliferation of astrocytes may involve a cyclic AMP-dependent, but PKA-independent, pathway.

Effect of anti-nerve growth factor treatment on pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide expression in adult sensory neurons exposed to adjuvant induced inflammation

Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is increased in sensory neurons exposed to adjuvant induced peripheral inflammation. Local elevation in expression of the neurotrophin nerve growth factor (NGF) is a main factor contributing to the neuronal response to inflammation. This study examines the role of endogenous NGF in inflammation-associated increases in PACAP expression using the adjuvant-induced peripheral inflammation model with or without systemic administration of antibodies against NGF. Quantitative in situ hybridization was used to detect changes in neuronal PACAP mRNA expression and to correlate this expression with neuronal mRNA expression of the NGF receptor tyrosine kinase (trk) A. The results from this study show that inflammation triggered increases in PACAP expression occurs in small- to medium-sized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons that also express trkA, and that this elevation in PACAP expression is prevented by systemic injection of anti-NGF. This supports a role for NGF as a positive regulator of PACAP expression during inflammation.

Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide on facial nerve recovery in the Guinea pig

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has neurotrophic effects of neural regeneration and gives protection to the nervous system. We investigated whether PACAP had a neurotrophic effect on peripheral motoneurons and whether PACAP could facilitate glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a neurotrophin, in nerve regeneration. The presence and distribution of PACAP receptors following facial nerve transection were also investigated.

STUDY DESIGN

Animal experiment.

METHODS

Unilateral transection of the facial nerve was performed in male Hartley guinea pigs, and PACAP was injected at the site. Saline was substituted as a control. Compound muscle action potentials were recorded to measure the changes of latency. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) content in facial target muscle was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The regenerating site was taken for histological studies.

RESULTS

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide hastened the appearance of compound muscle action potentials and shortened the latency. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide increased and prolonged the nerve transection-induced GDNF increase in the facial muscles. The number of myelinated fibers at 1 to 4 weeks after the transection was increased. PAC1 receptor or VPAC1 receptor or both were identified in the injury area at 2 to 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide facilitated the recovery of latency of compound muscle action potentials or the number of myelinated axons, or both. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide prolonged the GDNF levels in target organs. These data indicated that PACAP promoted regeneration of the facial nerve.

Overexpression of PACAP in transgenic mouse pancreatic beta-cells enhances insulin secretion and ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), a member of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/secretin/glucagon family, stimulates insulin secretion from islets in a glucose-dependent manner at femtomolar concentrations. To assess PACAP's pancreatic function in vivo, we generated transgenic mice overexpressing PACAP in the pancreas under the control of human insulin promoter. Northern blot and immunohistochemical analyses showed that PACAP is overexpressed in pancreatic islets, specifically in transgenic mice. Plasma glucose and glucagon levels during a glucose tolerance test were not different between PACAP transgenic mice and nontransgenic littermates. However, plasma insulin levels in transgenic mice were higher after glucose loading. Also, increases of streptozotocin-induced plasma glucose were attenuated in transgenic compared with nontransgenic mice. Notably, an increase in 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine-positive beta-cells in the streptozotocin-treated transgenic mice was observed but without differences in the staining patterns by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling. Morphometric analysis revealed that total islet mass tends to increase in 12-month-old transgenic mice but showed no difference between 12-week-old transgenic and nontransgenic littermates. This is the first time that PACAP has been observed to play an important role in the proliferation of beta-cells.

[Physiological significance of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the nervous system]

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been conserved remarkably during evolution and is widely expressed in the nervous system across phyla. PACAP has an amino acid sequence homology of 68% with that of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and of 37% with that of secretin, indicating that PACAP is a member of the VIP/glucagon/secretin superfamily. PACAP exerts its actions via three heptahelical G-protein-linked receptors: one PACAP-specific (PAC1) receptor and two receptors (VPAC1 and VPAC2) shared with VIP. PACAP stimulates several different signaling cascades in neurons, leading to the activation of adenylate cyclase, phospholipase C, and mitogen-activated protein kinase and mobilization of calcium. Although PACAP and VIP have no apparent homology with calcitonin and parathyroid hormone (PTH), PAC1, VPAC, secretin, glucagon, glucagon-like peptide 1, growth hormone-releasing hormone, calcitonin, and PTH/PTH-related peptide receptors are related to each other and constitute a subfamily of the G-protein-coupled receptors. Distribution analysis of PACAP and its receptors and pharmacological studies have elucidated its pleiotropic effects in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, the relevance of the pharmacological PACAP effects to the actual physiological activities of endogenous PACAP has not been addressed, because potent and selective low-molecular-weight PACAP antagonists have not yet been developed. To assess the function of PACAP in vivo, we have recently generated PAC1 receptor- and PACAP-targeted mice, and provided evidence that PACAP plays a previously uncharacterized role in the regulation of psychomotor behaviors. In this review, we focus on the physiological and or pathophysiological roles mediated by PACAP in the nervous system.

Involvement of intracellular Ca2+ elevation but not cyclic AMP in PACAP-induced p38 MAP kinase activation in PC12 cells

We have recently shown that in PC12 cells, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and NGF synergistically stimulate PACAP mRNA expression primarily via a mechanism involving a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent pathway. Here we have analyzed p38 MAPK activation by PACAP and the mechanism underlying this action of PACAP in PC12 cells. PACAP increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK with a bell-shaped dose-response relationship and a maximal effect was obtained at 10(-8) M. PACAP (10(-8) M)-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation was already evident at 2.5 min, maximal at 5 min, and rapidly declined thereafter. PACAP-induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation was potently inhibited by depletion of Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin and partially inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122, L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel inhibitors nifedipine and nimodipine, and the Ca(2+) chelator EGTA, whereas the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C, the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89, the cAMP antagonist Rp-cAMP, and the nonselective cation channel blocker SKF96365 had no effect. These results indicate that PACAP activates p38 MAPK in PC12 cells through activation of a phospholipase C, mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores, and Ca(2+) influx through voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels, but not cyclic AMP-dependent mechanisms.

Fast-breaking results on the PACAP/VIP/secretin peptide family in chromaffin cells

The neuropeptide pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been reported to be a potent regulator of chromaffin cell activity. In particular, PACAP stimulates catecholamine biosynthesis as well as the expression of various genes, including chromogranin A, neuropeptide Y, enkephalins, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, and PACAP itself. The mechanisms involved in the effects of PACAP on chromaffin cells have been investigated using rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells. This cell line turned out to be a suitable model in which to study the neurotrophic activities of PACAP. Recent studies using transgenic mice have shown that in the sympathoadrenal system, PACAP acts as an "emergency response" cotransmitter involved in the regulation of insulin-induced hypoglycemia.

Overexpression of calbindin-D28K induces neurite outgrowth in dopaminergic neuronal cells via activation of p38 MAPK

An MN9D dopaminergic neuronal cell line overexpressing calbindin-D28K (MN9D/Calbindin) was established in order to investigate directly the potential role of calcium-binding protein in neuronal differentiation. Overexpression of calbindin-D28K in MN9D cells resulted in significant increases in the number of neurites, the length of primary neurites, and the total extent of neurites. This robust neurite outgrowth occurred without cessation of cell division. Analysis of immunoblots revealed that this morphological differentiation was accompanied by increased expression of such markers of maturation as the synaptosomal protein SNAP-25. During calbindin-D28K-evoked neurite outgrowth in MN9D cells, phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) dramatically increased while the levels and extent of phosphorylation of such other MAPKs as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) or extracellular response kinase (ERK) were not altered. Consequently, calbindin-D28K-induced neurite outgrowth was largely abolished by treatment with a p38 inhibitor, PD 169316, while the level of SNAP-25 in MN9D/Calbindin cells was not altered by this treatment. These data support an idea that calbindin-D28K and its associated p38 signaling pathway play a role in dopaminergic neuronal differentiation.