PACAP38
Also known as: ADCYAP1 peptide, ADCYAP1 peptide (38aa form), PACAP, PACAP-38, PACAP‑38, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide 38, Pituitary adenylate cyclase‑activating polypeptide
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Summary
PACAP‑38 (Pituitary adenylate cyclase‑activating polypeptide 38) is an endogenous 38‑amino‑acid neuropeptide that activates PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. It is investigated for migraine prophylaxis, neuroprotection after stroke, and metabolic modulation.
Mechanism of Action
Binds PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 G protein‑coupled receptors, stimulating adenylate cyclase and raising intracellular cAMP; mediates neuroprotective, vasodilatory, and endocrine effects.
Routes of Administration
Goals & Uses
- Migraine prophylaxisNeurologyModerate
- NeuroprotectionNeurologyModerate
- CardioprotectionCardiovascularLow
- PTSD and stress modulationPsychiatry / ResearchModerate
- Regulation of insulin secretionEndocrinologyLow
- Migraine research and provocation modelNeurologyHigh
- Neuroprotection after ischemic strokeNeuroscienceModerate
- Anti-inflammatory effectsInflammationModerate
Contraindications
- Severe hypotension or cardiovascular instabilityCardiovascularHigh
- Known hypersensitivity to PACAP38 or related peptidesAllergyHigh
- Active migraine or severe headache disorder (provocative dosing)NeurologyModerate
- Known hypersensitivity to PACAP‑38ImmunologicHigh
- Severe hypotensionCardiovascularModerate
Adverse Effects
- Facial flushingCardiovascular/DermatologicCommon
- HeadacheNeurologicCommonPain in the head or upper neck
- HypotensionCardiovascularUncommonLow blood pressure
- FlushingVascularCommonWarmth and redness of the skin
- TachycardiaCardiovascularUncommonAbnormally fast heart rate
- NauseaGastrointestinalUncommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit
- Headache / migraine-like attackNeurologicalCommon
Drug Interactions
- Triptans / ErgotaminesLow
- CYP‑modulating agentsLow
- Antihypertensive agentsModerate
- Other vasodilators (e.g., nitrates)Moderate
Population Constraints
- PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
- Pediatric populationsAgeRelative
- Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
- Patients with cardiovascular diseaseComorbidityRelative
- Pregnant womenReproductiveRelative
Regulatory Status
- European UnionUnapprovedNo marketing authorization; used in clinical trials.
- United StatesUnapprovedInvestigational New Drug (IND) status for clinical studies only.
- United KingdomUnapprovedNo approved therapeutic use.
Not approved for any indication; has been evaluated in early‑phase clinical trials (Phase I/II) for migraine and neuroprotection.
Evidence & Sources
No sources recorded yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PACAP38?
PACAP‑38 (Pituitary adenylate cyclase‑activating polypeptide 38) is an endogenous 38‑amino‑acid neuropeptide that activates PAC1, VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. It is investigated for migraine prophylaxis, neuroprotection after stroke, and metabolic modulation.
What is PACAP38 used for?
PACAP38 is educationally associated with: Migraine prophylaxis, Neuroprotection, Cardioprotection, PTSD and stress modulation, Regulation of insulin secretion, Migraine research and provocation model, Neuroprotection after ischemic stroke, Anti-inflammatory effects. Educational only — not medical advice.
How is PACAP38 administered?
Recorded routes of administration: Intracerebroventricular, Intranasal, Intravenous, Subcutaneous.
What are the potential side effects of PACAP38?
Reported adverse effects include: Facial flushing, Headache, Hypotension, Flushing, Tachycardia, Nausea, Headache / migraine-like attack. This list is not exhaustive — consult a qualified clinician.
Who should avoid PACAP38?
Recorded contraindications: Severe hypotension or cardiovascular instability, Known hypersensitivity to PACAP38 or related peptides, Active migraine or severe headache disorder (provocative dosing), Known hypersensitivity to PACAP‑38, Severe hypotension. Consult a qualified clinician before use.