Early changes in pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide and related receptors expression in retina of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

► Streptozotocin (STZ) treatment diminishes retinal expression of PACAP and VIP. ► STZ-induced diabetes decreases Bcl2 and increases p53 expression in retina. ► Intravitreal PACAP restores Bcl2 and p53 levels to control values.