PACAP as a neuroprotective factor in ischemic neuronal injuries

• This paper describes the function of PACAP for protection of neuronal cell death by brain ischemia.
• The molecular mechanism of PACAP of protection is acting through stimulating CRMP2 which is known as an axon outgrowth factor.
• This review may indicate the clinical use of PACAP for the therapy of brain ischemia and spinal cord injury and also in the future regenerative medicine.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a 27- or 38-amino acid neuropeptide, which belongs to the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/glucagon/secretin family. PACAP and its three receptor subtypes are expressed in neural tissues, with PACAP known to exert pleiotropic effects on the nervous system. This review provides an overview of current knowledge regarding the neuroprotective effects, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential of PACAP in response to ischemic brain injuries.