The Protective Effects of Endogenous PACAP in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide having trophic and protective functions in neural tissues, including the retina. Previously, we have shown that intravitreal PACAP administration can maintain retinal structure in the animal model of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The purpose of this study is to examine the development of ROP in PACAP-deficient and wild-type mice to reveal the function of endogenous PACAP.

PARP Inhibitor Protects Against Chronic Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Retinal Injury by Regulation of MAPKs, HIF1α, Nrf2, and NFκB.

Purpose: In the eye, chronic hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) contributes to the development of a number of ocular disorders. H/R induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) activation that promotes inflammation, cell death, and disease progression. Here, we analyzed the protective effects of the PARP1 inhibitor olaparib in H/R-induced retina injury and investigated the signaling mechanisms involved.

Alternative Routes of Administration of the Neuroprotective Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide with diverse actions, including strong neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects. The aim of our present review is to provide a summary of the different approaches how in vivo neuroprotective effects can be achieved, emphasizing the potential translational values for future therapeutic applications. In the central nervous system, PACAP has been shown to have in vivo protective effects in models of cerebral ischemia, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, Huntington chorea, traumatic brain and spinal cord injury and different retinal pathologies.

Protective Role of Endogenous PACAP in Inflammation-induced Retinal Degeneration.

Purpose: Pituitary adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuroprotective peptide that has been shown to exert protective effects in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, including retinal degenerations. Data obtained from PACAP-deficient (PACAP KO) mice provide evidence that endogenous PACAP has a neuroprotective role in different pathologies. PACAP KO mice show enhanced sensitivity to different insults, such as oxidative stress, hypoxia and inflammation.