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Rajbhandari AK, Barson JR, Gilmartin MR, Hammack SE, Chen BK. The functional heterogeneity of PACAP: Stress, learning, and pathology. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023; 203:107792. [PMID: 37369343 PMCID: PMC10527199 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP) is a highly conserved and widely expressed neuropeptide that has emerged as a key regulator of multiple neural and behavioral processes. PACAP systems, including the various PACAP receptor subtypes, have been implicated in neural circuits of learning and memory, stress, emotion, feeding, and pain. Dysregulation within these PACAP systems may play key roles in the etiology of pathological states associated with these circuits, and PACAP function has been implicated in stress-related psychopathology, feeding and metabolic disorders, and migraine. Accordingly, central PACAP systems may represent important therapeutic targets; however, substantial heterogeneity in PACAP systems related to the distribution of multiple PACAP isoforms across multiple brain regions, as well as multiple receptor subtypes with several isoforms, signaling pathways, and brain distributions, provides both challenges and opportunities for the development of new clinically-relevant strategies to target the PACAP system in health and disease. Here we review the heterogeneity of central PACAP systems, as well as the data implicating PACAP systems in clinically-relevant behavioral processes, with a particular focus on the considerable evidence implicating a role of PACAP in stress responding and learning and memory. We also review data suggesting that there are sex differences in PACAP function and its interactions with sex hormones. Finally, we discuss both the challenges and promise of harnessing the PACAP system in the development of new therapeutic avenues and highlight PACAP systems for their critical role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica R Barson
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marieke R Gilmartin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sayamwong E Hammack
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, 2 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Briana K Chen
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH) / New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, United States.
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2
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Koppan M, Nagy Z, Bosnyak I, Reglodi D. Female reproductive functions of the neuropeptide PACAP. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:982551. [PMID: 36204113 PMCID: PMC9531758 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.982551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuropeptide originally isolated as a hypothalamic peptide. It has a widespread distribution in the body and has a diverse spectrum of actions. Among other processes, PACAP has been shown to be involved in reproduction. In this review we summarize findings related to the entire spectrum of female reproduction. PACAP is a regulatory factor in gonadal hormone production, influences follicular development and plays a role in fertilization and embryonic/placental development. Furthermore, PACAP is involved in hormonal changes during and after birth and affects maternal behavior. Although most data come from cell cultures and animal experiments, increasing number of evidence suggests that similar effects of PACAP can be found in humans. Among other instances, PACAP levels show changes in the serum during pregnancy and birth. PACAP is also present in the human follicular and amniotic fluids and in the milk. Levels of PACAP in follicular fluid correlate with the number of retrieved oocytes in hyperstimulated women. Human milk contains very high levels of PACAP compared to plasma levels, with colostrum showing the highest concentration, remaining steady thereafter for the first 7 months of lactation. All these data imply that PACAP has important functions in reproduction both under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zsuzsanna Nagy
- Department of Physiology, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Inez Bosnyak
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, ELKH-PTE PACAP Research Group and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Dora Reglodi,
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Heinzlmann A, Oláh M, Köves K. Intranasal application of PACAP and β-cyclodextrin before the "critical period of proestrous stage" can block ovulation. Biol Futur 2019; 70:62-70. [PMID: 34554429 DOI: 10.1556/019.70.2019.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It was previously shown that intracerebroventricular administration of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) prior to GnRH mobilization in proestrus prevents ovulation in rats. In this study, we examined whether PACAP given intranasally could influence luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) surges and ovulation. METHODS On the day of proestrus PACAP, p-cyclodextrin (modifier of blood-brain barrier) or PACAP + p-cyclodextrin was applied intranasally between 12:30 and 13:00. Blood samples were taken at 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 for measuring plasma hormone levels. In the next morning, the expelled ova were counted. p-Cyclodextrin was also administered to male and diestrous female rats between 12:30 and 13:00 and blood was taken at 18:00. RESULTS PACAP prevented LH and PRL surges and ovulation in about half of the rats, p-cyclodextrin alone more effectively prevented ovulation. When PACAP and p-cyclodextrin were administered together, more rats ovulated like when PACAP given alone. p-Cyclodextrin did not influence LH and PRL levels in diestrous females; however, in males, it significantly enhanced PRL level. DISCUSSION Not only the intracerebroventricular, but the intranasal application of PACAP prevented ovulation. p-Cyclodextrin alone is more effective than PACAP and enhances PRL levels in male rats. PACAP and p-cyclodextrin given together weaken each other's effect. p-Cyclodextrin, as excipient of various drugs, has to be used carefully in human medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Heinzlmann
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto u. 58., H-1094, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márk Oláh
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto u. 58., H-1094, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Köves
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Tuzolto u. 58., H-1094, Budapest, Hungary.
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Thomas RL, Crawford NM, Grafer CM, Zheng W, Halvorson LM. GATA augments GNRH-mediated increases in Adcyap1 gene expression in pituitary gonadotrope cells. J Mol Endocrinol 2013; 51:313-24. [PMID: 24018543 PMCID: PMC3825478 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 1 (PACAP or ADCYAP1) regulates gonadotropin biosynthesis and secretion, both alone and in conjunction with GNRH. Initially identified as a hypothalamic-releasing factor, ADCYAP1 subsequently has been identified in pituitary gonadotropes, suggesting it may act as an autocrine-paracrine factor in this tissue. GNRH has been shown to increase pituitary Adcyap1 gene expression through the interaction of CREB and jun/fos with CRE/AP1 cis-elements in the proximal promoter. In these studies, we were interested in identifying additional transcription factors and cognate cis-elements which regulate Adcyap1 gene promoter activity and chose to focus on the GATA family of transcription factors known to be critical for both pituitary cell differentiation and gonadotropin subunit expression. By transient transfection and electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis, we demonstrate that GATA2 and GATA4 stimulate Adcyap1 promoter activity via a GATA cis-element located at position -191 in the rat Adcyap1 gene promoter. Furthermore, we show that addition of GATA2 or GATA4 significantly augments GNRH-mediated stimulation of Adcyap1 gene promoter activity in the gonadotrope LβT2 cell line. Conversely, blunting GATA expression with specific siRNA inhibits the ability of GNRH to stimulate ADCYAP1 mRNA levels in these cells. These data demonstrate a complex interaction between GNRH and GATA on ADCYAP1 expression, providing important new insights into the regulation of gonadotrope function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin L. Thomas
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
| | - Natalie M. Crawford
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
| | - Constance M. Grafer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
| | - Weiming Zheng
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
| | - Lisa M. Halvorson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
- Corresponding author at: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA Tel: 214-648-4885; fax: 214-648-8066
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Thomas RL, Crawford NM, Grafer CM, Halvorson LM. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase–Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) in the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis. Reprod Sci 2012; 20:857-71. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719112466310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robin L. Thomas
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Natalie M. Crawford
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Constance M. Grafer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lisa M. Halvorson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, USA
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Reglodi D, Tamas A, Koppan M, Szogyi D, Welke L. Role of PACAP in Female Fertility and Reproduction at Gonadal Level - Recent Advances. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:155. [PMID: 23248616 PMCID: PMC3518703 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide, first isolated from hypothalamic extracts, but later shown in peripheral organs, such as endocrine glands, gastrointestinal system, cardiovascular system, and reproductive organs. PACAP plays a role in fertility and reproduction. Numerous studies report on the gonadal regulatory effects of PACAP at hypothalamo-hypophyseal levels. However, the local effects of PACAP at gonadal levels are also important. The present review summarizes the effects of PACAP in the ovary. PACAP and its receptors are present in the ovary, and PACAP plays a role in germ cell migration, meiotic division, follicular development, and atresia. The autocrine-paracrine hormonal effects seem to play a regulatory role in ovulation, luteinization, and follicular atrophy. Altogether, PACAP belongs to the ovarian regulatory peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Reglodi
- Department of Anatomy, Lendulet PACAP-Research Team of the University of Pécs and Hungarian Academy of SciencesPécs, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Dora Reglodi, Department of Anatomy, University of Pécs, Szigeti u 12, 7624 Pécs, Hungary. e-mail:
| | - Andrea Tamas
- Department of Anatomy, Lendulet PACAP-Research Team of the University of Pécs and Hungarian Academy of SciencesPécs, Hungary
| | - Miklos Koppan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of PécsPécs, Hungary
| | - Donat Szogyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of PécsPécs, Hungary
| | - Laura Welke
- Department of Anatomy, Ross University School of MedicineRoseau, Commonwealth of Dominica
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Grafer CM, Thomas R, Lambrakos L, Montoya I, White S, Halvorson LM. GnRH stimulates expression of PACAP in the pituitary gonadotropes via both the PKA and PKC signaling systems. Mol Endocrinol 2009; 23:1022-32. [PMID: 19342443 DOI: 10.1210/me.2008-0477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated a clear role for pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the regulation of gonadotropin biosynthesis and secretion, both alone and in conjunction with GnRH. First defined as a hypothalamic releasing factor, PACAP subsequently has been identified in the gonadotrope subpopulation of the anterior pituitary gland, suggesting that PACAP may act as an autocrine-paracrine factor in this tissue. In initial studies, we determined that GnRH markedly stimulated endogenous PACAP mRNA levels and promoter-reporter activity in the mature gonadotrope cell line, LbetaT2. GnRH-stimulated rat PACAP promoter activity was blunted with deletion from position -915 to -402 and eliminated with further truncation to position -77 relative to the transcriptional start site. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated a functional requirement for a cAMP response element (CRE)-like site at position -205 and an activating protein-1 (AP-1)-like site at position -275, both of which bound CRE binding protein and AP-1 family members on EMSA. Treatment with pharmacological activators or inhibitors of second messenger signaling pathways implicated the protein kinase A, protein kinase C, and MAPK pathways in the GnRH response. In support of these in vitro data, we demonstrate that JunB binds to the rat PACAP gene promoter by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and that small interfering RNA knockdown of JunB, cFos, and CRE binding protein factors blunts PACAP expression. In summary, these results further elucidate the complex functional interactions between PACAP and GnRH in the anterior pituitary. Specifically, these studies demonstrate that GnRH-stimulated PACAP gene expression is mediated via multiple signaling pathways acting on CRE/AP-1 sites in the proximal gene promoter. Because both PACAP and GnRH regulate gonadotropin biosynthesis and secretion, these results provide important insight into the critical fine tuning of gonadotrope function and, thereby, the maintenance of normal reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance M Grafer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA
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Litichever N, Gershon E, Dekel N, Koch Y. Hormonal Regulation of GnRH and LHβ mRNA Expression in Cultured Rat Granulosa Cells. J Mol Neurosci 2009; 39:78-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-009-9185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Accepted: 02/01/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Kobayashi Y, Jimenez-Krassel F, Li Q, Yao J, Huang R, Ireland JJ, Coussens PM, Smith GW. Evidence that cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript is a novel intraovarian regulator of follicular atresia. Endocrinology 2004; 145:5373-83. [PMID: 15271876 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
We recently obtained evidence that cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), a potent anorectic neuropeptide, is expressed in the bovine ovary. The objectives of this study were to characterize bovine ovarian CART and determine its localization, regulation, and regulatory role during follicular development. CART mRNA was detected in stroma of adult ovaries and in large follicles, but was undetectable in several peripheral tissues, fetal ovaries, and corpora lutea. Within the ovary, CART mRNA and peptide were localized to the granulosal layer of some, but not all, antral follicles, with low, but detectable, expression in oocytes and cumulus cells. CART mRNA was undetectable in granulosal cells of dominant ovulatory follicles collected before and after the preovulatory gonadotropin surge, but was detected in the granulosal layer of adjacent subordinate follicles. In addition, amounts of CART mRNA and follicular fluid concentrations of CART peptide were greater in subordinate follicles vs. dominant follicles of the first follicular wave. Furthermore, CART treatment inhibited basal estradiol production, but not progesterone production, by granulosal cells in a dose-dependent fashion, and the effect was dependent on stage of cell differentiation. We conclude that granulosal cell CART expression is temporally regulated and potentially associated with follicle health status, and CART can inhibit granulosal cell estradiol production. Thus, CART may be a novel local regulator of follicular atresia in the bovine ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Kobayashi
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 1230 Anthony Hall, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
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