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Tóth D, Fábián E, Szabó E, Patkó E, Vicena V, Váczy A, Atlasz T, Tornóczky T, Reglődi D. Investigation of PACAP38 and PAC1 Receptor Expression in Human Retinoblastoma and the Effect of PACAP38 Administration on Human Y-79 Retinoblastoma Cells. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:185. [PMID: 38398694 PMCID: PMC10890153 DOI: 10.3390/life14020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma represents the most prevalent malignant neoplasm affecting the eyes in childhood. The clear-cut origin of retinoblastoma has not yet been determined; however, based on experiments, it has been suggested that RB1 loss in cone photoreceptors causes retinoblastoma. Pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide which has been shown to be affected in certain tumorous transformations, such as breast, lung, kidney, pancreatic, colon, and endocrine cancers. This study aimed to investigate potential changes in both PACAP38 and PAC1 receptor (PAC1R) expression in human retinoblastoma and the effect of PACAP38 administration on the survival of a human retinoblastoma cell line (Y-79). We analyzed human enucleation specimens removed because of retinoblastoma for PACAP38 and PAC1R immunostaining and the effect of PACAP38 on the survival of the Y-79 cell line. We described for the first time that human retinoblastoma cells from patients showed only perinuclear, dot-like immunopositivity for both PACAP38 and PAC1R, irrespective of laterality, genetic background, or histopathological features. Nanomolar (100 nM and 500 nM) PACAP38 concentrations had no effect on the viability of Y-79 cells, while micromolar (2 µM and 6 µM) PACAP38 significantly decreased tumor cell viability. These findings, along with general observations from animal studies showing that PACAP38 has strong anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects on ocular tissues, together suggest that PACAP38 and its analogs are promising candidates in retinoblastoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dénes Tóth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Eszter Fábián
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Edina Szabó
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Evelin Patkó
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Viktória Vicena
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Alexandra Váczy
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
| | - Tamás Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
- Department of Sportbiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság út 6, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tornóczky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School and Clinical Center, 7624 Pecs, Hungary;
| | - Dóra Reglődi
- Department of Anatomy, HUN-REN-PTE PACAP Research Team, Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs Medical School, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (E.F.); (E.S.); (E.P.); (V.V.); (A.V.); (T.A.); (D.R.)
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Patko E, Szabo E, Vaczy A, Molitor D, Tari E, Li L, Csutak A, Toth G, Reglodi D, Atlasz T. Protective Effects of Pituitary Adenylate-Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide on Retinal Vasculature and Molecular Responses in a Rat Model of Moderate Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13256. [PMID: 37686074 PMCID: PMC10487862 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the high probability of glaucoma-related blindness, its cause is not fully understood and there is no efficient therapeutic strategy for neuroprotection. Vascular factors have been suggested to play an important role in glaucoma development and progression. Previously, we have proven the neuroprotective effects of pituitary adenylate-cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) eye drops in an inducible, microbeads model in rats that is able to reproduce many clinically relevant features of human glaucoma. In the present study, we examined the potential protective effects of PACAP1-38 on the retinal vasculature and the molecular changes in hypoxia. Ocular hypertension was induced by injection of microbeads into the anterior chamber, while control rats received PBS. PACAP dissolved in vehicle (1 µg/drop) or vehicle treatment was started one day after the injections for four weeks three times a day. Retinal degeneration was assessed with optical coherence tomography (OCT), and vascular and molecular changes were assessed by immunofluorescence labeling. HIF1-α and VEGF-A protein levels were measured by Western blot. OCT images proved severe retinal degeneration in the glaucomatous group, while PACAP1-38 eye drops had a retinoprotective effect. Vascular parameters were deteriorated and molecular analysis suggested hypoxic conditions in glaucoma. PACAP treatment exerted a positive effect against these alterations. In summary, PACAP could prevent the severe damage to the retina and its vasculature induced by ocular hypertension in a microbeads model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Patko
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dorottya Molitor
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Eniko Tari
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Lina Li
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7632 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gabor Toth
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Biomimetic Systems Research Group, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Team, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Department of Sportbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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Kovács-Valasek A, Rák T, Pöstyéni E, Csutak A, Gábriel R. Three Major Causes of Metabolic Retinal Degenerations and Three Ways to Avoid Them. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108728. [PMID: 37240082 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
An imbalance of homeostasis in the retina leads to neuron loss and this eventually results in a deterioration of vision. If the stress threshold is exceeded, different protective/survival mechanisms are activated. Numerous key molecular actors contribute to prevalent metabolically induced retinal diseases-the three major challenges are age-related alterations, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma. These diseases have complex dysregulation of glucose-, lipid-, amino acid or purine metabolism. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on possible ways of preventing or circumventing retinal degeneration by available methods. We intend to provide a unified background, common prevention and treatment rationale for these disorders and identify the mechanisms through which these actions protect the retina. We suggest a role for herbal medicines, internal neuroprotective substances and synthetic drugs targeting four processes: parainflammation and/or glial cell activation, ischemia and related reactive oxygen species and vascular endothelial growth factor accumulation, apoptosis and/or autophagy of nerve cells and an elevation of ocular perfusion pressure and/or intraocular pressure. We conclude that in order to achieve substantial preventive or therapeutic effects, at least two of the mentioned pathways should be targeted synergistically. A repositioning of some drugs is considered to use them for the cure of the other related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Kovács-Valasek
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tibor Rák
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Etelka Pöstyéni
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gábriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 6, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Kovács-Öller T, Zempléni R, Balogh B, Szarka G, Fazekas B, Tengölics ÁJ, Amrein K, Czeiter E, Hernádi I, Büki A, Völgyi B. Traumatic Brain Injury Induces Microglial and Caspase3 Activation in the Retina. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36901880 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is among the main causes of sudden death after head trauma. These injuries can result in severe degeneration and neuronal cell death in the CNS, including the retina, which is a crucial part of the brain responsible for perceiving and transmitting visual information. The long-term effects of mild-repetitive TBI (rmTBI) are far less studied thus far, even though damage induced by repetitive injuries occurring in the brain is more common, especially amongst athletes. rmTBI can also have a detrimental effect on the retina and the pathophysiology of these injuries is likely to differ from severe TBI (sTBI) retinal injury. Here, we show how rmTBI and sTBI can differentially affect the retina. Our results indicate an increase in the number of activated microglial cells and Caspase3-positive cells in the retina in both traumatic models, suggesting a rise in the level of inflammation and cell death after TBI. The pattern of microglial activation appears distributed and widespread but differs amongst the various retinal layers. sTBI induced microglial activation in both the superficial and deep retinal layers. In contrast to sTBI, no significant change occurred following the repetitive mild injury in the superficial layer, only the deep layer (spanning from the inner nuclear layer to the outer plexiform layer) shows microglial activation. This difference suggests that alternate response mechanisms play a role in the case of the different TBI incidents. The Caspase3 activation pattern showed a uniform increase in both the superficial and deep layers of the retina. This suggests a different action in the course of the disease in sTBI and rmTBI models and points to the need for new diagnostic procedures. Our present results suggest that the retina might serve as such a model of head injuries since the retinal tissue reacts to both forms of TBI and is the most accessible part of the human brain.
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Figueiredo CA, Düsedau HP, Steffen J, Ehrentraut S, Dunay MP, Toth G, Reglödi D, Heimesaat MM, Dunay IR. The neuropeptide PACAP alleviates T. gondii infection-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal impairment. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:274. [PMCID: PMC9675261 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cerebral infection with the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is responsible for inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS) contributing to subtle neuronal alterations. Albeit essential for brain parasite control, continuous microglia activation and recruitment of peripheral immune cells entail distinct neuronal impairment upon infection-induced neuroinflammation. PACAP is an endogenous neuropeptide known to inhibit inflammation and promote neuronal survival. Since PACAP is actively transported into the CNS, we aimed to assess the impact of PACAP on the T. gondii-induced neuroinflammation and subsequent effects on neuronal homeostasis. Methods Exogenous PACAP was administered intraperitoneally in the chronic stage of T. gondii infection, and brains were isolated for histopathological analysis and determination of pathogen levels. Immune cells from the brain, blood, and spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the further production of inflammatory mediators was investigated by intracellular protein staining as well as expression levels by RT-qPCR. Neuronal and synaptic alterations were assessed on the transcriptional and protein level, focusing on neurotrophins, neurotrophin-receptors and signature synaptic markers. Results Here, we reveal that PACAP administration reduced the inflammatory foci and the number of apoptotic cells in the brain parenchyma and restrained the activation of microglia and recruitment of monocytes. The neuropeptide reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators such as IFN-γ, IL-6, iNOS, and IL-1β. Moreover, PACAP diminished IFN-γ production by recruited CD4+ T cells in the CNS. Importantly, PACAP promoted neuronal health via increased expression of the neurotrophin BDNF and reduction of p75NTR, a receptor related to neuronal cell death. In addition, PACAP administration was associated with increased expression of transporters involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling that are particularly affected during cerebral toxoplasmosis. Conclusions Together, our findings unravel the beneficial effects of exogenous PACAP treatment upon infection-induced neuroinflammation, highlighting the potential implication of neuropeptides to promote neuronal survival and minimize synaptic prejudice. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02639-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Andreeta Figueiredo
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Henning Peter Düsedau
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Steffen
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Ehrentraut
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Miklos P. Dunay
- grid.483037.b0000 0001 2226 5083Department and Clinic of Surgery and Ophthalmology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Toth
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglödi
- grid.9679.10000 0001 0663 9479Department of Anatomy, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Markus M. Heimesaat
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ildiko Rita Dunay
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Inflammation and Neurodegeneration, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GC-I3), Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.418723.b0000 0001 2109 6265Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences – CBBS, Magdeburg, Germany
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Kiss P, Farkas J, Kovacs K, Gaal V, Biro Z, Szabo A, Atlasz T, Bosnyak I, Toth G, Tamas A, Reglodi D. Effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in corneal epithelial regeneration and signal transduction in rats. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022; 28. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10405-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCorneal epithelium responds to insults with a rapid wound healing, which is essential for maintaining vision. The proper balance of apoptotic and proliferation-stimulating pathways is critical for normal regeneration. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is an important growth factor during the development of the nervous system and exerts cytoprotective effects in injuries. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of PACAP on corneal epithelial wound healing in rats and on two important protective signaling molecules, Akt and ERK1/2, both of which have been reported to play important roles during cell survival and regeneration, including corneal wound healing. Wistar rats received PACAP treatment in form of eyedrops, containing 1, 5 and 10 µg PACAP27, immediately and every two hours after corneal abrasion. Corneas were stained with fluorescein dye and further processed for histological staining or Western blot analysis for Akt and ERK1/2 expression. Our results showed that topical PACAP application enhanced corneal wound healing, as the area of injury was significantly less in PACAP-treated groups. Furthermore, both ERK1/2 and Akt signaling was induced upon PACAP administration in both injured and intact corneas. In summary, the present results show that PACAP enhances corneal wound healing in a rat model of corneal abrasion.
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Pöstyéni E, Ganczer A, Kovács-Valasek A, Gabriel R. Relevance of Peptide Homeostasis in Metabolic Retinal Degenerative Disorders: Curative Potential in Genetically Modified Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:808315. [PMID: 35095518 PMCID: PMC8793341 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.808315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian retina contains approximately 30 neuropeptides that are synthetized by different neuronal cell populations, glia, and the pigmented epithelium. The presence of these neuropeptides leaves a mark on normal retinal molecular processes and physiology, and they are also crucial in fighting various pathologies (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, ischemia, age-related pathologies, glaucoma) because of their protective abilities. Retinal pathologies of different origin (metabolic, genetic) are extensively investigated by genetically manipulated in vivo mouse models that help us gain a better understanding of the molecular background of these pathomechanisms. These models offer opportunities to manipulate gene expression in different cell types to help reveal their roles in the preservation of retinal health or identify malfunction during diseases. In order to assess the current status of transgenic technologies available, we have conducted a literature survey focused on retinal disorders of metabolic origin, zooming in on the role of retinal neuropeptides in diabetic retinopathy and ischemia. First, we identified those neuropeptides that are most relevant to retinal pathologies in humans and the two clinically most relevant models, mice and rats. Then we continued our analysis with metabolic disorders, examining neuropeptide-related pathways leading to systemic or cellular damage and rescue. Last but not least, we reviewed the available literature on genetically modified mouse strains to understand how the manipulation of a single element of any given pathway (e.g., signal molecules, receptors, intracellular signaling pathways) could lead either to the worsening of disease conditions or, more frequently, to substantial improvements in retinal health. Most attention was given to studies which reported successful intervention against specific disorders. For these experiments, a detailed evaluation will be given and the possible role of converging intracellular pathways will be discussed. Using these converging intracellular pathways, curative effects of peptides could potentially be utilized in fighting metabolic retinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etelka Pöstyéni
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Alma Ganczer
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Andrea Kovács-Valasek
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Robert Gabriel
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Maugeri G, D’amico AG, D’agata V. A Broad Overview on Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Role in the Eye: Focus on Its Repairing Effect in Cornea. Applied Sciences 2022; 12:760. [DOI: 10.3390/app12020760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution throughout the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in many other peripheral organs. It plays cytoprotective effects mediated mainly through the activation of specific receptors. PACAP is known to play pleiotropic effects on the eye, including the cornea, protecting it against different types of insult. This review firstly provides an overview of the anatomy of the cornea and summarizes data present in literature about PACAP’s role in the eye and, in particular, in the cornea, either in physiological or pathological conditions.
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Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide originally isolated as a hypothalamic peptide. It has a widespread distribution in the body and has a diverse spectrum of actions. Among other processes, PACAP has been shown to be involved in reproduction. In this review we summarize findings related to the entire spectrum of female reproduction. PACAP is a regulatory factor in gonadal hormone production, influences follicular development and plays a role in fertilization and embryonic/placental development. Furthermore, PACAP is involved in hormonal changes during and after birth and affects maternal behavior. Although most data come from cell cultures and animal experiments, increasing number of evidence suggests that similar effects of PACAP can be found in humans. Among other instances, PACAP levels show changes in the serum during pregnancy and birth. PACAP is also present in the human follicular and amniotic fluids and in the milk. Levels of PACAP in follicular fluid correlate with the number of retrieved oocytes in hyperstimulated women. Human milk contains very high levels of PACAP compared to plasma levels, with colostrum showing the highest concentration, remaining steady thereafter for the first 7 months of lactation. All these data imply that PACAP has important functions in reproduction both under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Department of Physiology, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Inez Bosnyak
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Dora Reglodi,
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Patko E, Szabo E, Toth D, Tornoczky T, Bosnyak I, Vaczy A, Atlasz T, Reglodi D. Distribution of PACAP and PAC1 Receptor in the Human Eye. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:2176-2187. [PMID: 35253081 PMCID: PMC9726800 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-01985-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
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 descriptive data about PACAP and its receptors in the human eyebulb. Since PACAP38 is the dominant form of the naturally occurring PACAP, our aim was to investigate the distribution of PACAP38-like immunoreactivity in the human eye and to describe the presence of PAC1-R. Semiquantitative evaluation was performed after routine histology and immunohistochemical labeling on human eye sections. Our results showed high level of immunopositivity in the corneal epithelium and endothelium. Within the vascular layer, the iris and the ciliary body had strong immunopositivity for both PACAP and PAC1-R. Several layers of the retina showed immunoreactivity for PACAP and PAC1-R, but the ganglion cell layer had a special pattern in the immunolabeling. Labeling was observed in the neuropil within the optic nerve in both cases and glial cells displayed immunoreactivity for PAC1-R. In summary, our study indicates the widespread occurrence of PACAP and its specific receptor in the human eye, implying that the results from in vitro and animal studies have translational value and most probably are also present in the human eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Patko
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Edina Szabo
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Denes Toth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Tornoczky
- Department of Pathology, Medical School and Clinical Center, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Inez Bosnyak
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Vaczy
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Tamas Atlasz
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary ,Szentagothai Research Center, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary ,Department of Sportbiology, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School, MTA-PTE PACAP Research Team, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary ,Szentagothai Research Center, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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