Effect of PACAP in Central and Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2012 · DOI: 10.3390/ijms13078430 · Published: July 6, 2012

Simple Explanation

Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a bioactive peptide that acts as a neuromodulator and neurotrophic factor in the nervous system. This review summarizes the neuroprotective potential of PACAP in models of different traumatic nerve injuries. Expression of endogenous PACAP and its specific PAC1 receptor is elevated in different parts of the central and peripheral nervous system after traumatic injuries. Exogenous PACAP treatment has shown protective effects in traumatic brain injury, facial nerve, and optic nerve trauma models. The upregulation of endogenous PACAP and the protective effect of exogenous PACAP suggest that PACAP plays an important role in neuronal regeneration. This indicates that PACAP could be a promising therapeutic agent for nervous system injuries.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Different animal models of neuronal injuries

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
Expression of endogenous PACAP and its specific PAC1 receptor is elevated in different parts of the central and peripheral nervous system after traumatic injuries.
2
Exogenous PACAP treatment demonstrates a protective effect in different traumatic brain injury models, as well as in facial nerve and optic nerve trauma.
3
Heterozygous PACAP knockout mice showed delayed recovery and increased injury volume in a contusion model of spinal cord injury, suggesting the neuroprotective effect of endogenous PACAP.

Research Summary

This review summarizes findings on the neuroprotective potential of PACAP in models of different traumatic nerve injuries, highlighting its role in neuronal regeneration. Endogenous PACAP and its receptors are upregulated after nerve injuries, and exogenous PACAP treatment shows protective effects in various trauma models. The evidence suggests PACAP may be a promising therapeutic agent for nervous system injuries due to its antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Potential

PACAP could be developed into a therapeutic agent for treating central and peripheral nerve injuries.

Combination Therapies

Combining PACAP with other treatments, such as stem cell therapy, may enhance recovery from spinal cord injuries.

Drug Development

Further research into PACAP's mechanisms of action could lead to the development of more effective neuroprotective drugs.

Study Limitations

1
Complexity of traumatic brain injury
2
Failure to identify common endpoints between preclinical and clinical findings
3
The potential for collateral axon branching limits its clinical utilization.

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