Neuroprotective effect of PACAP against kainic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rat retina.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is well known to protect delayed neuronal cell death in the brain of rodents. In order to investigate the neuroprotective action of PACAP in the retina, we examined the effects of PACAP on kainic acid (KA)-induced neurotoxicity in the rat retina. Many ganglion cells in the retina died after KA injection in the control group and PACAP treatment significantly promoted cell survival.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) stimulates production of interleukin-6 in rat Müller cells.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is known to regulate not only neurons but also astrocytes. Here, we investigated, both in vitro and in vivo, the effects of PACAP38 on rat Müller cells, which are the predominant glial element in the retina. Müller cells isolated from juvenile Wistar rats were treated with PACAP38 or PACAP6-38, a PACAP selective antagonist.