Current State of Understanding of the Role of PACAP in the Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal Gonadotropin Functions of Mammals

Katalin Köves; Enikő Szabó; Orsolya Kántor; Andrea Heinzlmann; Flóra Szabó; Ágnes Csáki

doi:10.3389/fendo.2020.00088

Frontiers in Endocrinology (Mar 2020)

Current State of Understanding of the Role of PACAP in the Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal Gonadotropin Functions of Mammals

Katalin Köves,
Enikő Szabó,
Orsolya Kántor,
Andrea Heinzlmann,
Flóra Szabó,
Ágnes Csáki

Affiliations

Katalin Köves: Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
Enikő Szabó: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
Orsolya Kántor: Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
Andrea Heinzlmann: Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
Flóra Szabó: Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
Ágnes Csáki: Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2020.00088
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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PACAP was discovered 30 years ago in Dr. Akira Arimura's laboratory. In the past three decades since then, it has become evident that this peptide plays numerous crucial roles in mammalian organisms. The most important functions of PACAP are the following: 1. neurotransmitter, 2. neuromodulator, 3. hypophysiotropic hormone, 4. neuroprotector. This paper reviews the accumulated data regarding the distribution of PACAP and its receptors in the mammalian hypothalamus and pituitary gland, the role of PACAP in the gonadotropin hormone secretion of females and males. The review also summarizes the interaction between PACAP, GnRH, and sex steroids as well as hypothalamic peptides including kisspeptin. The possible role of PACAP in reproductive functions through the biological clock is also discussed. Finally, the significance of PACAP in the hypothalamo-hypophysial system is considered and the facts missing, that would help better understand the function of PACAP in this system, are also highlighted.

Published in Frontiers in Endocrinology

ISSN: 1664-2392 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Internal medicine: Specialties of internal medicine: Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology

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