Expression of the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type 1 receptor (PAC1R) potentiates the effects of GnRH on gonadotropin subunit gene expression

► GnRH-induced expression of gonadotropin subunit LHβ and FSHβ was potentiated by the presence of the PAC1R. ► ERK, as well as the cAMP pathway may in part mediate this effect. ► The presence of PAC1R increased the sensitivity of both gonadotropin promoters to GnRH stimulation, which might explain the augmentation of the GnRH effect.