Gene deletion of the PACAP/VIP receptor, VPAC2R, alters glycemic responses during metabolic and psychogenic stress in adult female mice.

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and the homologous peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), participate in glucose homeostasis using insulinotropic and counterregulatory processes. The role of VIP receptor 2 (VPAC2R) in these opposing actions needs further characterization. In this study, we examined the participation of VPAC2R on basal glycemia, fasted levels of glucoregulatory hormones and on glycemia responses during metabolic and psychogenic stress using gene-deleted (Vipr2-/- ) female mice. The mean basal glycemia was significantly greater in Vipr2-/- in the fed state and after an 8-h overnight fast as compared to wild-type (WT) mice. Insulin tolerance testing following a 5-h fast (morning fast, 0.38 U/kg insulin) indicated no effect of genotype. However, during a more intense metabolic challenge (8 h, ON fast, 0.25 U/kg insulin), Vipr2-/- females displayed significantly impaired insulin hypoglycemia. During immobilization stress, the hyperglycemic response and plasma epinephrine levels were significantly elevated above basal in Vipr2-/- , but not WT mice, in spite of similar stress levels of plasma corticosterone. Together, these results implicate participation of VPAC2R in upregulated counterregulatory processes influenced by enhanced sympathoexcitation. Moreover, the suppression of plasma GLP-1 levels in Vipr2-/- mice may have removed the inhibition on hepatic glucose production and the promotion of glucose disposal by GLP-1. qPCR analysis indicated deregulation of central gene markers of PACAP/VIP signaling in Vipr2-/- , upregulated medulla tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) and downregulated hypothalamic Vip transcripts. These results demonstrate a physiological role for VPAC2R in glucose metabolism, especially during insulin challenge and psychogenic stress, likely involving the participation of sympathoadrenal activity and/or metabolic hormones.

Diagnosis of Oral Cancers by Targeting VPAC Receptors: Preliminary Report.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a major health problem. The study of exfoliative cytology material helps in the differentiation of premalignant and malignant alterations of oral lesions. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of detecting oral cancer by targeting genomic VPAC (combined vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide) receptors expressed on malignant oral cancer cells. PATIENTS & METHODS: All patients with suspected oral cavity cancers/lesions formed the study group. The samples from the oral cavity lesion or suspicious area were collected with a cytology brush. The harvested material was examined for malignant cells by 1. the standard PAP stain and 2. targeting the VPAC receptors on the cell surface using a fluorescent microscope. Similarly, malignant cells were identified from cells shed in oral gargles. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients with oral lesions were included in the study. The histopathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma in 30 of these. The VPAC receptor positivity both on the brush cytology staining as well oral gargle staining was more sensitive than the brush cytology PAP staining. The accuracy of the various techniques was as follows, brush cytology PAP staining at 86.67%, brush cytology VPAC staining at 91.67% and oral gargle VPAC staining at 95%. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study validates our belief that malignant cells in the saliva can be identified by targeting the VPAC receptors. The test is simple, easy, non-invasive and reliable in the detection of oral cancers.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Changes the Frequency and Force of Myocardial Contraction in Rats.

We studied the effect of non-selective agonist of VIP receptors of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide in different concentrations on the frequency, force, and duration of isometric contraction of myocardial strips of the right atrium under conditions of spontaneous activity, as well as the force and duration of contractions of the right ventricle in rats. It was found that the agonist produced a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect that depended on its concentration. The maximum effect was observed at vasoactive intestinal peptide concentration of 10-11 M.

VIP activates primordial follicles of rat through ERK-mTOR pathway in tissue culture.

In vitro activation of primordial follicles is becoming more essential in assisted reproductive technologies. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is one of the members of the neurotrophin family which has demonstrated to have an impact on follicle development in recent years. This study aims to investigate the effect of VIP on the activation of primordial follicles in neonatal rat in an in vitro culture system and to determine the relevant molecular mechanism of their activation. Ovaries of 4-day-old rats were examined for the expression of VIP receptors and were cultured in mediums containing VIP with or without inhibitors of the ERK-mTOR signalling pathway. They were then collected for histological analysis or measurement of the molecular expression of this pathway. The receptors of VIP were found in granular cells and oocytes of primordial and early-growing follicles in neonatal ovary. The ratio of growing follicle increased in the presence VIP at different concentrations, with the highest level of increase being observed in the 10-7 mol/L VIP-treated group. The ratio of PCNA-positive granular cells was also increased, while that of the apoptotic oocytes were decreased, and protein analysis showed increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, mTOR and RPS6 in the VIP-treated group. However, the effect of VIP on the activation of primordial follicle became insignificant with the addition of MEK inhibitor (U0126) or mTORC1 inhibitor (rapamycin). This study indicated that VIP could activate neonatal rat primordial follicle through the ERK-mTOR signalling pathway, suggesting a strategy for in vitro primordial follicle recruitment.

Adipose Tissue Expression of PACAP, VIP, and Their Receptors in Response to Cold Stress.

Obesity arises from disrupted energy balance and is caused by chronically higher energy intake compared to expenditure via basal metabolic rate, exercise, and thermogenesis. The brown adipose tissue (BAT), the primary thermogenic organ, has received considerable attention as a potential therapeutic target due to its ability to burn lipids in the production of heat. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been identified as a key regulator of the physiological stress response both centrally and peripherally. While PACAP has been shown to increase thermogenesis by acting at the hypothalamus to increase sympathetic output to BAT, a peripheral role for PACAP-activated thermogenesis has not been studied. We identified PACAP receptor (PAC1, VPAC1/2) expression for the first time in murine BAT and confirmed their expression in white adipose tissues. PAC1 receptor expression was significantly altered in all three adipose tissues studied in response to 3.5-week cold acclimation, with expression patterns differing by depot type. In primary cell culture, VPAC1 was increased in differentiated compared to non-differentiated brown adipocytes, and the same trend was observed for the PACAP-specific receptor PAC1 in gonadal white fat primary cultures. The primary PAC1R mRNA splice variant in interscapular BAT was determined as isoform 2 by RNA-Seq. These results show that PACAP receptors are present in adipose tissues and may have important functional roles in adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, or adipose sensitization to sympathetic signaling in response to thermogenic stimuli.

Cytoprotective effect of neuropeptides on cancer stem cells: vasoactive intestinal peptide-induced antiapoptotic signaling.

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are increasingly considered to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis and drug resistance. The drug resistance mechanisms activated in CSCs have not been thoroughly investigated. Although neuropeptides such as vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) can promote tumor growth and activate antiapoptotic signaling in differentiated cancer cells, it is not known whether they can activate antiapoptotic mechanisms in CSCs. The objectives of this study are to unravel the cytoprotective effects of neuropeptides and identify antiapoptotic mechanisms activated by neuropeptides in response to anticancer drug treatment in CSCs. We enriched and purified CSCs (CD44+/high/CD24-/low or CD133+ population) from breast and prostate cancer cell lines, and demonstrated their stemness phenotype. Of the several neuropeptides tested, only VIP could protect CSCs from drug-induced apoptosis. A functional correlation was found between drug-induced apoptosis and dephosphorylation of proapoptotic Bcl2 family protein BAD. Similarly, VIP-induced cytoprotection correlated with BAD phosphorylation at Ser112 in CSCs. Using pharmacological inhibitors and dominant-negative proteins, we showed that VIP-induced cytoprotection and BAD phosphorylation are mediated via both Ras/MAPK and PKA pathways in CSCs of prostate cancer LNCaP and C4-2 cells, but only PKA signaling was involved in CSCs of DUVIPR (DU145 prostate cancer cells ectopically expressing VIP receptor) and breast cancer MCF7 cells. As each of these pathways partially control BAD phosphorylation at Ser112, both have to be inhibited to block the cytoprotective effects of VIP. Furthermore, VIP is unable to protect CSCs that express phosphorylation-deficient mutant-BAD, suggesting that BAD phosphorylation is essential. Thus, antiapoptotic signaling by VIP could be one of the drug resistance mechanisms by which CSCs escape from anticancer therapies. Our findings suggest the potential usefulness of VIP receptor inhibition to eliminate CSCs, and that targeting BAD might be an attractive strategy for development of novel therapeutics.

VIP treatment prevents embryo resorption by modulating efferocytosis and activation profile of maternal macrophages in the CBAxDBA resorption prone model.

Successful embryo implantation occurs followed by a local pro-inflammatory response subsequently shifted toward a tolerogenic one. VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) has embryotrofic, anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic effects. In this sense, we investigated whether the in vivo treatment with VIP contributes to an immunosuppressant local microenvironment associated with an improved pregnancy outcome in the CBA/J × DBA/2 resorption prone model. Pregnancy induced the expression of VIP, VPAC1 and VPAC2 in the uterus from CBA/J × DBA/2 mating females on day 8.5 of gestation compared with non-pregnant mice. VIP treatment (2 nmol/mouse i.p.) on day 6.5 significantly increased the number of viable implantation sites and improved the asymmetric distribution of implanted embryos. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in RORγt and an increase in TGF-ß and PPARγ expression at the implantation sites. Moreover, VIP modulated the maternal peritoneal macrophages efferocytosis ability, tested using latex beads-FITC or apoptotic thymocytes, displaying an increased frequency of IL-10-producer F4/80 cells while did not modulate TNF-α and IL-12 secretion. The present data suggest that VIP treatment increases the number of viable embryos associated with an increase in the efferocytic ability of maternal macrophages which is related to an immunosuppressant microenvironment.

Viral and bacterial septicaemic infections modulate the expression of PACAP splicing variants and VIP/PACAP receptors in brown trout immune organs.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) and PACAP-Related Peptide (PRP) are structurally similar peptides encoded in the same transcripts. Their transcription has been detected not only in the brain but also in a wide range of peripheral tissues, even including organs of the immune system. PACAP exerts pleiotropic activities through G-protein coupled membrane receptors: the PACAP-specific PAC-1 and the VPAC-1 and VPAC-2 receptors that exhibit similar affinities for the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) and PACAP. Recent findings added PACAP and its receptors to the growing list of mediators that allow cross-talk between the nervous, endocrine and immune systems in fish. In this study the expression of genes encoding for PACAP and PRP, as well as VIP/PACAP receptors was studied in laboratory-reared brown trout (Salmo trutta) after septicaemic infections. Respectively Viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia Virus (VHSV-Ia) or the Gram-negative bacterium Yersinia ruckeri (ser. O1 - biot. 2) were used in infection challenges. Kidney and spleen, the teleost main lymphopoietic organs, were sampled during the first two weeks post-infection. RT-qPCR analysis assessed specific pathogens burden and gene expression levels. PACAP and PRP transcription in each organ was positively correlated to the respective pathogen burden, assessed targeting the VHSV-glycoprotein or Y. ruckeri 16S rRNA. Results showed as the transcription of PACAP splicing variants and VIP/PACAP receptors is modulated in these organs during an acute viral and bacterial septicaemic infections in brown trout. These gene expression results provide clues as to how the PACAP system is modulated in fish, confirming an involvement during active immune responses elicited by both viral and bacterial aetiological agents. However, further experimental evidence is still required to fully elucidate and characterize the role of PACAP and PRP for an efficient immune response against pathogens.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) Nanoparticles for Diagnostics and for Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery.

Neuropeptides are potentially valuable tools for clinical applications as they offer many distinct advantages over other bioactive molecules like proteins and monoclonal antibodies due to their reduced side effects and simple chemical modifications. Despite such advantages, the difficulty with neuropeptides often relies on their poor metabolic stability and reduced biological activity intervals. Among the neuropeptides, VIP has been identified as a potentially bioactive agent for inflammatory, neurodegenerative, and cancer-related diseases. However, the effective translation of preclinical studies related to VIP to clinical realities faces several major challenges, most of which are commonplace for other neuropeptides. Here, we present recent studies aimed at developing nanostructured organic and inorganic systems either for the appropriate delivery of VIP or for VIP targeting. These technologies stand as an alternative starting point for chemical manipulations of the neuropeptides in order to improve potency, selectivity, or pharmacokinetic parameters.

The pathogenic Th profile of human activated memory Th cells in early rheumatoid arthritis can be modulated by VIP.

UNLABELLED: Our aim is to study the behavior of memory Th cells (Th17, Th17/1, and Th1 profiles) from early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA) patients after their in vitro activation/expansion to provide information about its contribution to RA chronicity. Moreover, we analyzed the potential involvement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) as an endogenous healing mediator. CD4(+)CD45RO(+) T cells from PBMCs of HD and eRA were activated/expanded in vitro in the presence/absence of VIP. FACS, ELISA, RT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry analyses were performed. An increase in CCR6(+)/RORC(+) cells and in RORC-proliferating cells and a decrease in T-bet-proliferating cells and T-bet(+)/RORC(+) cells were shown in eRA. mRNA expression of IL-17, IL-2, RORC, RORA, STAT3, and Tbx21 and protein secretion of IL-17, IFNγ, and GM-CSF were higher in eRA. VIP decreased the mRNA expression of IL-22, IL-2, STAT3, Tbx21, IL-12Rß2, IL-23R, and IL-21R in HD and it decreased IL-21, IL-2, and STAT3 in eRA. VIP decreased IL-22 and GM-CSF secretion and increased IL-9 secretion in HD and it decreased IL-21 secretion in eRA. VPAC2/VPAC1 ratio expression was increased in eRA. All in all, memory Th cells from eRA patients show a greater proportion of Th17 cells with a pathogenic Th17 and Th17/1 profile compared to HD. VIP is able to modulate the pathogenic profile, mostly in HD. Our results are promising for therapy in the early stages of RA because they suggest that targeting molecules involved in the pathogenic Th17, Th17/1, and Th1 phenotypes and targeting VIP receptors could have a therapeutic effect modulating these subsets. KEY MESSAGES: Th17 cells are more important than Th1 in the contribution to pathogenesis in eRA patients. Pathogenic Th17 and Th17/1 profile are abundant in activated/expanded memory Th cells from eRA patients. VIP decreases the pathogenic Th17, Th1, and Th17/1 profiles, mainly in healthy donors. The expression of VIP receptors is reduced in eRA patients respect to healthy donors, whereas the ratio of VPAC2/VPAC1 expression is higher.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide suppresses proliferation of human cord blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cells by increasing TNF-α and TGF-ß production in the liver.

The physiology of hepatic hematopoiesis is largely unknown, although studies have indicated that vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) is involved in this disease. To validate this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of VIP on human cord blood CD34+ cells. We also measured VIP levels and the capacity of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide receptor (VIPR) to bind to VIP in the rat liver during different developmental phases. VIP inhibited the proliferation of cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells from concentrations of 10-7-10-12 M. The highest suppression was achieved with 10-8 M VIP at day 10. Intracellular levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 in CD34(+) cells treated with VIP were increased by 50.70 and 43.46%, respectively. Variations in VIP levels in the rat fetal liver generally increased rapidly with the stage of fetal development. In addition, the affinity of VIPR for VIP increased from relatively low levels in the rat fetal liver and peaked at birth, after which it gradually decreased. VIP had a suppressive effect on the proliferation of human cord blood-derived CD34(+) cells, partially by increasing the production of TNF-α and TGF-ß. Low VIP levels in the fetal liver and gradually increasing levels after birth may in part be responsible for suppressing hematopoietic stem cell and progenitor proliferation in the liver.

Molecular cloning of VIP and distribution of VIP/VPACR system in the testis of Podarcis sicula.

Using molecular, biochemical, and cytological tools, we studied the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequence of PHI/VIP and the distribution of VIP/VPAC receptor system in the testis of the Italian wall lizard Podarcis sicula to evaluate the involvement of such a neuropeptide in the spermatogenesis control. We demonstrated that (1) Podarcis sicula VIP had a high identity with other vertebrate VIP sequences, (2) differently from mammals, VIP was synthesized directly in the testis, and (3) VIP and its receptor VPAC2 were widely distributed in germ and somatic cells, while the VPAC1 R had a distribution limited to Leydig cells. Our results demonstrated that in Podarcis sicula the VIP sequence is highly preserved and that this neuropeptide is involved in lizard spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.

The VIP/VPACR system in the reproductive cycle of male lizard Podarcis sicula.

Starting from the knowledge that in the reproductive period the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is widely distributed in Podarcis sicula testis, we studied VIP expression and the localization of the neuropeptide and its receptors in the testis of the Italian wall lizard P. sicula in the other phases of its reproductive cycle (summer stasis, autumnal resumption, winter stasis, spring resumption). By Real Time-PCR, we demonstrated that testicular VIP mRNA levels change during the reproductive cycle, showing a cyclic trend with two peaks, one in the mid-autumnal resumption and the other in the reproductive period. By in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that both VIP mRNA and protein were widely distributed in the testis in almost all the phases of the cycle, except in the early autumnal resumption. As regards the receptors, the VPAC1R was localized mainly in Leydig cells, while the VPAC2R showed the same distribution of VIP. Our results demonstrate that, differently from mammals, where VIP is present only in nerve fibres innerving the testis, an endotesticular synthesis takes place in the lizard and the VIP synthesis changes throughout the reproductive cycle. Moreover, the VIP/VPAC receptor system distribution observed in germ and somatic cells in various phases of the cycle, and particularly in the autumnal resumption and the reproductive period, strongly suggests its involvement in both spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Finally, the wider distribution of VIP in lizards with respect to mammals leads us to hypothesize that during the evolution the synthesis sites have been transferred from the testis to other districts, such as the brain.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) inhibits human renal cell carcinoma proliferation.

Clear renal cell carcinoma (cRCC) is an aggressive and fatal neoplasm. The present work was undertaken to investigate the antiproliferative potential of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) exposure on non-tumoral (HK2) and tumoral (A498, cRCC) human proximal tubular epithelial cell lines. Reverse transcription and semiquantitative PCR was used at the VIP mRNA level whereas enzyme immunoanalysis was performed at the protein level. Both renal cell lines expressed VIP as well as VIP/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (VPAC) receptors whereas only HK2 cells expressed formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL-1). Receptors were functional, as shown by VIP stimulation of adenylyl cyclase activity. Treatment with 0.1µM VIP (24h) inhibited proliferation of A498 but not HK2 cells as based on a reduction in the incorporation of [(3)H]-thymidine and BrdU (5'-Br-2'-deoxyuridine), PCNA (proliferating-cell nuclear antigen) expression and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) expression and activation. VPAC(1)-receptor participation was established using JV-1-53 antagonist and siRNA transfection. Growth-inhibitory response to VIP was related to the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K) signaling systems as shown by studies on adenylate cyclase stimulation, and using the EPAC-specific compound 8CPT-2Me-cAMP and specific kinase inhibitors such as H89, wortmannin and PD98059. The efficacy of VIP on the prevention of tumor progression was confirmed in vivo using xenografted athymic mouse. These actions support a potential role of this peptide and its agonists in new therapies for cRCC.

Pharmacological characterization and expression of VIP and PACAP receptors in isolated cranial arteries of the rat.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) are potent vasodilators in animals and humans. PACAP infusion but not VIP infusion precipitates migraine attacks in migraine patients. The vascular effects of VIP and the two varieties of PACAP (PACAP-27 and PACAP-38) were investigated versus selective antagonists in segments of rat middle cerebral arteries (MCA), basilar arteries (BA) and middle meningeal arteries (MMA) using myographs. The luminal and abluminal effects of VIP were studied using perfusion myograph. mRNA expression of the relevant receptors (VPAC(1), VPAC(2) and PAC(1)) was examined by in situ hybridization. There was no significant difference in relaxant potency of the peptides in the MCA. In BA the relaxant potency was VIP>PACAP-27=PACAP-38. Relaxant responses were either absent or very weak in MMA. VIP was found to be somewhat more potent in BA than in the MCA. Maxadilan, a selective PAC(1)-receptor agonist, showed no relaxant effect in either vessel. The VPAC(2)-antagonist PG 99-465 alone proved ineffective in the MCA, while it had a weak effect on BA. The VPAC(1)-antagonist PG 97-269 inhibited relaxation induced by both VIP and the PACAPs in cerebral vessels. In combination, the two antagonists demonstrated better effect than either alone. VIP applied luminally via perfusion myograph caused no dilatation, indicating lack of endothelial involvement. In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of mRNA for all three receptors in the smooth muscle cells of the vessels. In conclusion, migraine-like headache induced by PACAP-38 infusion is unlikely to be caused by direct vasodilator action on intracranial vessels.

VIP-dependent increase in F508del-CFTR membrane localization is mediated by PKCε.

The most common cystic fibrosis causing mutation F508del induces early degradation and reduced trafficking of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels to the apical membrane of epithelial cells. In the human nasal epithelial cells JME/CF15, we previously reported that vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) exposure corrects trafficking and membrane insertion of functional F508del-CFTR channels at 37°C. Correction of trafficking was PKA dependent, whereas enhanced membrane localization involved PKC. In the present study, we have identified PKCε as the isoform involved in VIP-dependent F508del-CFTR membrane insertion. Iodide effluxes were used to monitor the presence of VIP-rescued functional F508del-CFTR channels at the surface of JME/CF15 cells maintained at 37°C. Iodide efflux peaks measured in response to stimulation with forskolin were insensitive to PKC α, ß, γ, δ, ζ inhibitors. In contrast, efflux peaks were completely inhibited by pretreatment with the PKCε inhibitor peptide EAVSLKPT with an IC(50) of 4.9 µM or by PKCε small interfering RNA (siRNA). Immunostaining and confocal microscopy confirmed that membrane localization of F508del-CFTR induced by VIP was abolished in the presence of EAVSLKPT but not with other isoform inhibitors. In recombinant baby hamster kidney cells, endogenously expressing PKCε but no VIP receptor, wild-type, and F508del-CFTR sensitivity to cpt-cAMP stimulation was increased by PMA treatment. Biotinylation assays and immunoblots confirmed that PMA (0.5-2 h) induced a greater than threefold increase in membrane CFTR, whereas forskolin had no effect. The PMA effect was abolished by specifically inhibiting PKCε (EAVSLKPT IC(50) = 5.7 µM) but not other PKC isoforms. Taken together, these results indicate that stimulating PKCε by VIP or PMA increases membrane insertion and activity of WT- and F508del-CFTR.

Circadian regulation of cardiovascular function: a role for vasoactive intestinal peptide.

The circadian system, driven by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), regulates properties of cardiovascular function. The dysfunction of this timing system can result in cardiac pathology. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is crucial for circadian rhythms in a number of biological processes including SCN electrical activity and wheel running behavior. Anatomic evidence indicates that SCN neurons expressing VIP are well positioned to drive circadian regulation of cardiac function through interactions with the autonomic centers. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that loss of VIP would result in circadian deficits in heart rate (HR) and clock gene expression in cardiac tissue. We implanted radiotelemetry devices into VIP-deficient mice and wild-type (WT) controls and continuously recorded HR, body temperature, and cage activity in freely moving mice. Under light-dark conditions, VIP-deficient mice displayed weak rhythms in HR, body temperature, and cage activity, with onsets that were advanced in phase compared with WT mice. Similarly, clock gene expression in cardiac tissue was rhythmic but phase advanced in mutant mice. In constant darkness, the normal circadian rhythms in HR were lost in VIP-deficient mice; however, most mutant mice continued to exhibit circadian rhythms of body temperature with shortened free-running period. The loss of VIP altered, but did not abolish, autonomic regulation of HR. Analysis of the echocardiograms did not find any evidence for a loss of cardiac function in VIP-deficient mice, and the size of the hearts did not differ between genotypes. These results demonstrate that VIP is an important regulator of physiological circadian rhythmicity in the heart.

Pharmacological characterization of VIP and PACAP receptors in the human meningeal and coronary artery.

OBJECTIVE: We pharmacologically characterized pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptides (PACAPs), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and the VPAC(1), VPAC(2) and PAC(1) receptors in human meningeal (for their role in migraine) and coronary (for potential side effects) arteries. METHODS: Concentration response curves to PACAP38, PACAP27, VIP and the VPAC(1) receptor agonist ([Lys15,Arg16,Leu27]-VIP[1-7]-GRF[8-27]) were constructed in the absence or presence of the PAC(1) receptor antagonist PACAP6-38 or the VPAC(1) receptor antagonist, PG97269. mRNA expression was measured using qPCR. RESULTS: PACAP38 was less potent than VIP in both arteries. Both peptides had lower potency and efficacy in meningeal than in coronary arteries, while mRNA expression of VPAC(1) receptor was more pronounced in meningeal arteries. PACAP6-38 reduced the E(max) of PACAP27, while PG97269 right-shifted the VIP-induced relaxation curve only in the coronary arteries. CONCLUSION: The direct vasodilatory effect of VIP and PACAP might be less relevant than the central effect of this compound in migraine pathogenesis.

Pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide controls the proliferation of retinal progenitor cells through downregulation of cyclin D1.

During retinal development, cell proliferation and exit from the cell cycle must be precisely regulated to ensure the generation of the appropriate numbers and proportions of the various retinal cell types. Previously, we showed that pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) exerts a neuroprotective effect in the developing retina of rats, through the cAMP-cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A) (PKA) pathway. Here, we show that PACAP also regulates the proliferation of retinal progenitor cells. PACAP, PACAP-specific receptor (PAC1), and the receptors activated by both PACAP and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), VPAC1 and VPAC2, are expressed during embryonic and postnatal development of the rat retina. Treatment of retinal explants with PACAP38 reduced the incorporation of [(3)H]thymidine as well as the number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine-positive and cyclin D1-positive cells. Pharmacological experiments indicated that PACAP triggers this antiproliferative effect through the activation of both PAC1 and VPACs, and the cAMP-PKA pathway. In addition, PACAP receptor activation decreased both cyclin D1 mRNA and protein content. Altogether, the data support the hypothesis that PACAP is a cell-extrinsic regulator with multiple roles during retinal development, including the regulation of proliferation in a subpopulation of retinal progenitor cells.

Identification of the early VIP-regulated transcriptome and its associated, interactome in resting and activated murine CD4 T cells.

More than 40 years after the discovery of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), its transcriptome in the immune system has still not been completely elucidated. In an attempt to understand the biological role of this neuropeptide in immunity, we chose CD4 T cells as a cellular system. Agilent Mouse Whole Genome microarrays were hybridized with fluorescently labeled total RNA isolated from resting CD4 T cells cultured +/-10(-7)M VIP for 5h or PMA/ionomycin activated CD4 T cells cultured +/-10(-7)M VIP for 5h. These VIP-regulated transcriptomes were analyzed by Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software to identify relevant signaling pathways modulated by VIP in the absence and presence of T cell activation. In resting CD4 T cells, VIP-modulated 368 genes, ranging from 3.49 to -4.78-fold. In the PMA/ionomycin activated CD4 T cells, 326 gene expression levels were changed by VIP, ranging from 2.94 to -1.66-fold. IPA analysis revealed that VIP exposure alters cellular function through EGFR signaling in resting CD4 T cells, and modulates immediate early genes, Fos and CREM/ICER, in activated CD4 T cells. These gene expression changes are suggested to explain at a molecular level how VIP can regulate T cell homing to the gut and induce regulatory T cell generation.