Immunohistochemical localization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the adrenal medulla of the rat.

Localization of PACAP in rat adrenal glands was examined by light and electron microscopic immunohistochemistry using a specific antiserum to PACAP 38, R0831. In the light microscopic study, PACAP immunoreactivity was observed in some cell groups in the medulla, but not in the cortex. In comparison with adjacent sections stained with antisera to catecholamine synthesizing enzymes, PACAP-positive cells were immunoreactive to tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine beta-hydroxylase, but not to phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase, suggesting that they were coincident with noradrenaline secreting cells.

Localization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the hypothalamus-pituitary system in rats: light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical studies.

The localization of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the hypothalamus-pituitary system in rats was examined in light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry using a specific antiserum to synthetic PACAP 1-38 (R0831). In light microscopic study, intensely PACAP-immunostained perikarya were observed in the supraoptic and paraventricular magnocellular nucleus in the hypothalamus. In the median eminence, many immunoreactive nerve fibers were observed in the internal layer, but a few immunoreactive terminals were noticed in the external layer.