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Biomedical subjects

J Hannibal

Publications and source records attributed to J Hannibal.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PACAP-(1-38) as neurotransmitter in pig pancreas: receptor activation revealed by the antagonist PACAP-(6-38).

The pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide PACAP-(1-38) has potent pancreatic secretory effects. We studied its immunohistochemical localization, release, and contribution to secretion induced by electrical vagus stimulation using isolated perfused porcine pancreas and the PACAP receptor antagonist PACAP-(6-38) (10(-7) M). PACAP was found in nerve fibers throughout the pancreas but, in particular, encircling ganglionic vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)-positive nerve cell bodies and, mostly, colocalized with VIP. Vagus stimulation caused its release. PACAP-(1-38)(4 x 10(-9) M) stimulated exocrine and endocrine secretion and released VIP. PACAP-(6-38) decreased PACAP-induced flow of juice to 59 +/- 7.8% and insulin secretion and VIP release to 12 +/- 6.8 and 57 +/- 13%, respectively. Glucagon secretion was unaffected. PACAP-(6-38) reduced vagus-stimulated flow rate to 63 +/- 7.6%, insulin and glucagon responses to 31.8 +/- 13 and 6 +/- 4%, respectively, and VIP release to 23 +/- 8.4% and reduced VIP-induced (2 x 10(-9) M) juice and insulin (but not glucagon) outputs to 8.3 +/- 4.2 and 67 +/- 14%, respectively. In conclusion, 1) pancreatic PACAP fibers seem to activate intrapancreatic VIPergic neurons, 2) PACAP-(6-38) antagonism documents the role of VIP/PACAP for neural regulation but cannot distinguish their relative importance, and 3) a PACAP receptor with low affinity for PACAP-(6-38), associated with glucagon cells, may exist.

Animals↗

Water deprivation increases the expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide gene in the rat subfornical organ.

The effect of water deprivation on the expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) was examined in the rat subfornical organ (SFO), using a combination of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization histochemistry. In the euhydrated condition, PACAP-immunoreactivity (PACAP-IR) and the expression of PACAP gene was observed in the SFO. Water deprivation for 24 h and 48 h caused a significant increase in PACAP gene transcripts in the SFO, compared with euhydrated animals. Additionally, water deprivation for 48 h caused an increase in PACAP-IR. This increase of PACAP-IR was demonstrated in both nerve fibers and cell bodies. High correlation was found between the localization of PACAP-IR cell bodies and PACAP messenger RNA synthesizing cell bodies in the peripheral part of the SFO. These results suggest that PACAP in the SFO may play a role in the humoral and neural changes associated with the regulation of body fluid balance after water deprivation.

Analysis of Variance↗

PACAP in the adrenal gland--relationship with choline acetyltransferase, enkephalin and chromaffin cells and effects of immunological sympathectomy.

Using indirect immunohistochemistry and immunological sympathectomy pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP)-like immunoreactivity (LI) was studied in the adult rat adrenal gland. All PACAP-positive fibres contained choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-LI and were found in high numbers among noradrenaline chromaffin cells, whereas enkephalin (ENK)/ChAT-immunoreactive (IR) fibres predominantly innervated adrenaline chromaffin cells. After immunological sympathectomy no PACAP-, ChAT- or ENK-IR fibres remained, strongly suggesting a preganglionic origin. A small number of PACAP-IR fibres was also observed in the subcapsular regions both in controls and in sympathectomized animals, presumably representing sensory fibres. These results define a subpopulation of PACAP-containing cholinergic preganglionic fibres in the adult rat adrenal medulla lacking ENK and innervating noradrenaline chromaffin cells. PACAP was also expressed in a few adrenaline chromaffin cells after immunological removal of the preganglionic innervation, suggesting an additional, hormonal role.

Adrenal Glands↗

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP): occurrence and vasodilatory effect in the human uteroplacental unit.

UNLABELLED: Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide which was originally isolated from ovine hypothalamus. PACAP exists in at least two biologically active forms, PACAP-38 and PACAP-27. The aim of this study was to establish the distribution, localization and smooth muscle effects of PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 in the human uteroplacental unit. For this purpose we used radioimmunoassay, immunocytochemistry and in vitro studies of the effect of the peptides on smooth muscle activity. RESULTS: By radioimmunoassay both peptides were detected throughout the uteroplacental unit. The concentrations of PACAP-27 were in general low, ranging from 1/6-1/25 of the corresponding PACAP-38 concentrations. PACAP-immunoreactivity was localized in nerve fibres of the lower segment of the pregnant uterus, but the number of PACAP-immunoreactive nerves was very clearly reduced compared to the corresponding isthmic region of non-pregnant myometrial tissue. PACAP-immunoreactive fibres were not observed in placenta or in the umbilical cord. Both PACAP-38 and PACAP-27 caused a concentration-dependent relaxation on stem villous arteries and on the intramyometrial arteries. Neither of the peptides displayed any effect on non-vascular smooth muscle specimens from the term pregnant myometrium. In conclusion the findings suggest a vasoregulator role of PACAP in the human uteroplacental unit.

Adult↗

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide innervation of the rat female reproductive tract and the associated paracervical ganglia: effect of capsaicin.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is a novel vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like peptide which is present in neuronal elements of a number of peripheral organs. PACAP occurs in two forms, PACAP-27 and the C-terminally extended PACAP-38, both derived from the same precursor which in addition gives rise to a structurally-related peptide, PACAP-related peptide. Using specific radioimmunoassays for PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and PACAP-related peptide we found that the three PACAP-precursor-derived peptides were present in tissue extracts from all regions of the rat female genital tract. PACAP-38 was the dominating peptide with the highest concentrations in the Fallopian tube and the ovary. Upon reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography the immunoreactive material was found to co-elute with synthetic PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and PACAP-related peptide, respectively. By immunohistochemistry, PACAP was shown to be located in varicose nerve fibres associated with blood vessels, smooth muscle and epithelial cells. Within the local paracervical ganglion PACAP-immunoreactive fibres ramified often forming varicose, pericellular plexuses around non-PACAP-positive cell bodies. Also bundles of PACAP-immunoreactive fibres were transversing the ganglion. In the paracervical ganglion of normal rat only a few neuronal cell bodies showed immunostaining for PACAP, but after local colchichine-treatment a moderate number of positive perikarya appeared. The synthesis of PACAP in neurons of the paracervical ganglia was confirmed by in situ hybridization histochemistry with a digoxigenin-labelled cRNA probe. Double immunostaining for PACAP and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide disclosed a partial co-existence of the two peptides in nerve fibres of all tubular organs in the rat female genital tract and in cell bodies and nerve fibres in the paracervical ganglion. After neonatal capsaicin treatment the concentration of immunoreactive PACAP-38 as well as the number and intensity of PACAP-positive nerve fibres were reduced while vasoactive intestinal polypeptide immunoreactivity was unaffected. In conclusion, PACAP-immunoreactive nerve fibres have been demonstrated in all regions of the rat female genital tract associated with blood vessels, smooth musculature and epithelium. In some fibres, which seem to originate in the local paracervical ganglia, PACAP was co-localized with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. PACAP released from these fibres could alone or in concert with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide play a role in neuroregulation of female reproductive organs acting directly on the musculature and vasculature. Other PACAP-containing fibres are sensory in nature, and some of these might influence ganglionic neurotransmission in the local paracervical ganglia.

Animals↗

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide expression in the rat dorsal root ganglia: up-regulation after peripheral nerve injury.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is expressed in a population of capsaicin-sensitive primary sensory neurons of small to medium size in the rat. In the present report we have examined the effect of sciatic nerve injury (unilateral transection) on PACAP expression (immunocytochemistry, radioimmunoassay, in situ hybridization and northern blot analysis) in dorsal root ganglia at the lumbar level and on immunoreactive PACAP in the spinal cord and in the sciatic nerve stump. For comparison, calcitonin gene-related peptide was examined. In dorsal root ganglia of the intact side immunoreactive PACAP and PACAP messenger RNA were localised to a population of nerve cell bodies of small to medium size. In dorsal root ganglia on the injured side, PACAP-immunoreactive nerve cell bodies were more numerous and PACAP messenger RNA was considerably more abundant as studied 14 days after sciatic nerve transection. By contrast, calcitonin gene-related peptide-containing nerve cell bodies were numerous and rich in calcitonin gene-related peptide messenger RNA in dorsal root ganglia on the intact side, while after transection both the number of immunoreactive nerve cell bodies and their content of messenger RNA were markedly reduced. There were indications of axotomy-induced expression of PACAP messenger RNA in larger neurons. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord on the intact side PACAP and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive fibres were densely accumulated in the superficial layers. On the transected side the densities of both PACAP and calcitonin gene-related peptide-immunoreactive nerve fibres were reduced in the medial part. The data obtained indicate a marked up-regulation of PACAP in sensory neurons following peripheral nerve injury. Since PACAP depresses a C-fibre evoked flexion reflex, this may have implications for sensory transmission. Further, in view of the known promoting effects of PACAP on neuronal survival and differentiation and non-neuronal cell growth as well as its proinflammatory effects a role of PACAP in the neuronal and periaxonal tissue restoration after injury is not inconceivable.

Animals↗

Transient periovulatory expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide in rat ovarian cells.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), a potent stimulator of cAMP formation, has a widespread distribution in neuronal elements of the central nervous system and a number of peripheral organs. Recently, PACAP has also been shown to be stage specifically expressed in the spermatogenic cells from the rat testis. This prompted us to examine the cell-specific expression of PACAP during the estrous cycle in the rat ovary by in situ hybridization with a digoxiginin UTP-labeled RNA probe and by immunohistochemistry using a specific monoclonal antibody. Ovaries from PMS gonadotropin (PMSG)/human CG (hCG) treated immature animals were examined 0, 12, 24, 48, 54, 57, 58.5, 60, 61.5, 63, 66, 72, and 96 h after PMSG treatment. Ovaries from adult cyclic rats were examined at 1000 h on each day of the estrous cycle and at 0400 h on estrus morning. PACAP positive cells were observed in the preovulatory and ovulatory period, i.e. 6-18 h following hCG injection in the PMSG induced cycle and at 0400 h and 1000 h on estrus morning in adult cyclic animals. Both PACAP messenger RNA (mRNA) and PACAP immunoreactivity were observed in the majority of granulosa and cumulus cells from large preovulatory follicles, in the majority of the cells comprising the interstitial glandular tissue and in solitary theca cells of growing and mature follicles. In PMSG/hCG treated animals, positive signals were also observed in solitary theca and interstitial cells 12 h after PMSG injection. PACAP immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in all ovaries examined, located in the interstitial glandular tissue or in the loose connective tissue. Northern blotting of ovarian tissue confirmed the transient preovulatory and ovulatory expression of PACAP. Three transcripts were observed. The most predominant band had a size of approximately 1.2 kilobase pairs, corresponding to the transcript observed in the testis. Two bands of 2.4 and 3.0 kilobase pairs, corresponding to the transcripts from neural tissue, were also observed. The complex distribution of PACAP positive cells and nerve fibers suggests that the peptide could be a local regulator of a number of the events that take place in the periovulatory period as well as during early folliculogenesis in the ovary.

Animals↗

Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide in dorsal root ganglia following axotomy: time course and coexistence.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has recently been demonstrated in sensory neurons. In the present study on rat 17.5% of all neurons, mainly of small size, contained PACAP in normal dorsal root ganglia (DRGs). Transection of the sciatic nerve induced a rapid and strong upregulation in PACAP peptide and mRNA levels which could be seen already after 15 h. After 3 days more than 51.5% of neurons of different sizes expressed PACAP. However, the intensity of PACAP-LI in the DRG neurons declined after 10 days. Thirty days after axotomy, 56.7% of the DRG neurons still expressed PACAP, but with a low intensity, in fact even lower than in normal controls. No VIP- or NPY-positive neurons were observed in normal or axotomized DRGs at 15 h. However a distinct increase in VIP and NPY levels were seen 3 days after the lesion, and their levels were considerably higher after 30 days. PACAP was often present in neurons expressing VIP, NPY and/or galanin. Thus, 3 days after injury, PACAP was present in 84.4%, 95.7%, and 76.8% of the VIP-, NPY-, and galanin-positive neurons, respectively. PACAP was also found in nerve fibers in control sciatic nerves. After nerve ligation, accumulation of PACAP was seen mainly proximal to the injury but also distally, suggesting both anterograde and retrograde transport of the peptide. Also a moderate increase (about 20%) in PACAP levels was found in the superficial spinal dorsal horn 3 days after nerve transection. Taken together, our results suggest that PACAP is involved in the response to nerve injury. The very high levels of expression in different populations of DRG neurons after axotomy, and its different time course as compared to galanin, NPY and VIP indicate that it may play a complementary and/or different role than these peptides in the adaptation to nerve injury, especially in its early phase.

Animals↗

PreproPACAP-derived peptides occur in VIP-producing tumours and co-exist with VIP.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a newly discovered neuropeptide which exists in two biologically active forms: PACAP-38 consisting of 38 amino acids and PACAP-27, a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal 27 amino acids of PACAP-38. Both PACAPs are derived from a 176 amino acid precursor (preproPACAP) which in addition gives rise to a 29 amino acid peptide, designated PACAP-related peptide (PRP). The presence of the three preproPACAP-derived peptides (PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and PRP) in tumour tissue from nine patients with VIP-producing tumours (pancreatic carcinoma, neuroblastoma, ganglioneuroma and pheochromocytoma) and eleven patients with non-VIP-secreting tumours (gastrinoma, glucagonoma, somatostatinoma, neuroblastoma) was examined by specific radioimmunoassays. In seven out of the nine VIP-secreting tumours elevated concentrations of all the three preproPACAP-derived peptides were found compared with normal tissue, while the concentrations in the non-VIP-secreting tumours were within the normal range. PACAP-38 was in all cases the dominating peptide, the concentration ranging from 41 to 3606 pmol/g. When tumour extracts were fractionated on Sephadex G50 column, tricine gel electrophoresis or reverse-phase HPLC immunoreactive components corresponding to synthetic PACAP-38, PACAP-27 and human PRP were identified, suggesting that preproPACAP was fully processed. Immunocytochemical examination showed PACAP-immunoreactive cells in the tumour tissue which also stained for VIP. This co-localization of PACAP and VIP was confirmed by double-staining experiments on the same sections, demonstrating PHM/VIP mRNA and PACAP-immunostaining in the same cells.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Gene expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the rat hypothalamus.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) isolated from ovine hypothalamus is considered to be a member of the vasoactive intestinal peptide/glucagon/secretin/growth hormone-releasing hormone family of peptides. Two forms of PACAP, PACAP38 and PACAP27, have been demonstrated in the rat hypothalamus. The PACAP precursor contains another peptide called PACAP-related peptide (PRP), but so far no information on this peptide in tissue exists. We have developed three radioimmunoassays specific for PACAP38, PACAP27 and PRP and demonstrate that all three preproPACAP peptides are expressed in the rat hypothalamus, the PACAP38/PACAP27 ratio being around 60 and the PACAP38/PRP ratio being around 10. HPLC analysis of hypothalamic extract showed that PACAP38 and PACAP27 are found in only one form corresponding to the respective synthetic peptides, whereas PRP eluted in two peaks, the predominant form corresponding to synthetic PRP1-29. The cellular distribution of PACAP38, PACAP27, and PRP and corresponding mRNA in the hypothalamus was determined with immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization histochemistry. PACAP- and PRP-immunoreactive neuronal perikarya were observed in the medial parvocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in colchicine pretreated rats. Some cell bodies of magnocellular variety were found in the PVN. PACAP mRNA containing cells were observed in moderate numbers in the same parts of the paraventricular nucleus. PACAP- and PRP immunoreactive fibres and varicosities were distributed in the PVN and in the periventricular nucleus. These data show that PACAP38, PACAP27 and PRP are expressed in the parvocellular part of the PVN, implying roles as hypothalamic regulatory peptides.

Animals↗

Expression of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) gene by rat spermatogenic cells.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) a neuropeptide recently isolated from hypothalamus, exists in two biological active forms: PACAP38 and PACAP27. The PACAP precursor (preproPACAP) contains besides PACAP a 29 amino acid peptide designated PACAP related peptide (PRP) in its sequence. The hypothalamus has the highest concentration of PACAP, but PACAP mRNA and immunoreactivity are found in several other tissues including the testis. Here we demonstrate that extracts of testis contain all preproPACAP derived peptides the concentrations being: PACAP38 2.8 +/- 0.14 pmol/g wet weight, PACAP27 0.18 +/- 0.02 pmol/g and PRP 0.84 +/- 0.14 pmol/g, respectively. By in situ hybridization PACAP/PRP mRNA was located near the perimeter of the seminiferous tubules in early germ cells, and by immunocytochemistry PACAP immunoreactivity was shown in spermatids near the lumen, in spermatogonia and primary spermacytes, but not in mature spermatids or spermatozoa. The findings suggest that PACAP might be an autocrine regulator in developing germ cells during spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

Neuronal localization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 in the adrenal medulla and growth-inhibitory effect on chromaffin cells.

The chromaffin cells of the adult rat adrenal medulla are essentially growth arrested in situ, but can proliferate in vitro, suggesting the existence of growth inhibitory factors in the adrenal gland. We have investigated whether pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP38) could be involved in the growth arrest of adrenal chromaffin cells. In adult rat adrenal gland, PACAP38 was detected by radioimmunoassay and high-performance liquid chromatography and its concentration in the medulla was estimated as 24 nmol/kg wet tissue. Immunohistochemistry of the neonatal and adult rat adrenal medulla showed PACAP38 immunoreactivity in a widely distributed network of delicate nerve fibers surrounding the chromaffin cells. In a primary culture system, PACAP38 inhibited growth factor-stimulated DNA synthesis by 90% in neonatal and adult rat chromaffin cells with half-maximal inhibition at 4 and 0.5 nM, respectively, as demonstrated by bromodeoxyuridine pulse-labeling and immunocytochemical staining of cell nuclei. In comparison, corticosterone inhibited neonatal and adult chromaffin cell proliferation by 70% and 95%, respectively, with half-maximal effect at 100 nM. In neonatal chromaffin cells, 100 nM PACAP38 and 1 microM corticosterone added together abolished proliferation completely (99.8% inhibition). Finally, PACAP38 increased cell survival but showed little neurite-promoting activity in the chromaffin cells. Our data suggest that neurally derived PACAP38, in conjunction with glucocorticoids, may override growth factor mitogenic signals, leading to the postmitotic state of chromaffin cells in the adult adrenal medulla.

Adrenal Medulla↗

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide-38 (PACAP-38), PACAP-27, and PACAP related peptide (PRP) in the rat median eminence and pituitary.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is a member of the vasoactive intestinal peptide-like peptide family. It is found in the hypothalamus, where the PACAP precursor is processed to form PACAP-38, the C-terminal truncated PACAP-27 and PACAP related peptide (PRP). Both PACAPs are potent stimulators of anterior pituitary adenylate cyclase activity, but the physiologically relevant anatomical sources of PACAP and possible importance of PRP in this regard are poorly understood. Using immunocytochemistry with epitope-specific antisera, we now show that PACAP38-, PACAP27- and PRP-positive nerve fibres are all present in the rat median eminence. The major immunoreactive species present was PACAP38. Numerous PACAP38-immunoreactive nerve fibres were observed in the internal layer and a few were present in the posterior pituitary lobe. The external layer of the median eminence contained a few PACAP-38-immunoreactive fibres and PACAP-38-positive nerve terminals were rarely seen in the perivascular portal spaces. Surprisingly, delicate PACAP-38-positive nerve fibres were identified in the anterior pituitary lobe intermingled between the pituitary cells although none of the secretory pituitary cells contained immunoreactive PACAP38, PACAP27 or PRP and preproPACAP mRNA was not detected in the gland by Northern blotting or in situ hybridization. PACAP-27- and PRP-immunoreactive nerve fibres and terminals were found in the same locations as PACAP-38 although generally in lower numbers. Specific radioimmunoassays and HPLC revealed that PACAP-38 accounts for the vast majority of the adenohypophyseal PACAP-immunoreactivity, whereas PACAP-27 and PRP were found in low to undetectable concentrations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide, helospectin, and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in human corpus cavernosum.

1. The distribution and effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP-27 and -38), helospectin (Hel-1 and Hel-2), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), were investigated in isolated preparations of human corpus cavernosum (CC). 2. Immunohistochemistry revealed coinciding profiles of nerve structures that showed immunoreactivities for VIP and PACAP, and VIP and Hel. Confocal microscopy showed the co-existence of VIP- and PACAP-immunoreactivities, and VIP- and Hel-immunoreactivities in most (90%) varicose nerve structures. 3. As determined by radioimmunoassay, the amounts of VIP, PACAP-27, and PACAP-38 in the preparations were 61.7 +/- 11.6, 0.1 +/- 0.05, and 3.7 +/- 0.5 pmol g-1 wet weight of tissue (pmol g-1 wet wt.), respectively. In tissue from patients with diabetes, the content of VIP was lower (13.7 +/- 0.5 pmol g-1 wet wt.), whereas that of PACAP (-27 and -38) was unchanged. 4. Cyclic nucleotide levels were determined in preparations exposed to PACAP-27, PACAP-38, Hel-1, Hel-2, and VIP. All the peptides, but Hel-2, significantly increased the concentrations of cyclic AMP, whereas the levels of cyclic GMP were unchanged. 5. The peptides concentration-dependently relaxed noradrenaline-contracted preparations. The order of potency was VIP > PACAP 27 > Hel-1 > Hel-2 > PACAP-38. 6. Hel-1, VIP and PACAP-27 effectively counteracted electrically induced contractions. At 10(-6) M, the highest peptide concentration used, the inhibitory effects obtained reached 96 +/- 3%, 87 +/- 6%, and 80 +/- 3%, respectively. 7. The results suggest that PACAP and Hel-1 are co-localized with VIP in nerve structures within the human cavernous tissue, and that the peptides are effective relaxants of CC preparations in vitro. The role of the investigated peptides for penile erection remains to be established.

Adult↗