| Primary Identifier | IPR039080 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | PACAP |
| description | Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) plays important roles in the control of immunity and inflammation, pancreatic insulin secretion, release of catecholamines from the adrenal medulla, neurogenesis and neurotransmitter release [, ]. It exerts its actions through three G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs): the PACAP-specific PAC1-R, which is coupled to several transduction systems, and the PACAP/VIP receptors VPAC1-R and VPAC2-R, which are primarily coupled to adenylyl cyclase []. PACAP is widely distributed in the brain and peripheral organs. It is expressed in sympathetic neurons and in the cholinergic innervation of the adrenal medulla, where it is thought to facilitate secretion of catecholamines under conditions of high stress []. In pancreatic islets PACAP stimulates insulin and glucagon secretion, in part through increased formation of cAMP after activation of adenylate cyclase and in part through increase in cytosolic calcium []. |
