PACAP

PACAP (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide) is a neuroprotective peptide with potent effects on neuron survival, cognition, and inflammation regulation. It has shown promise in models of Alzheimer’s, stroke, and cognitive decline, while also being studied for its role in migraine physiology.

• Activates PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 receptors in the CNS
• Regulates cAMP and calcium-mediated intracellular pathways
• Inhibits apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage in neurons
• Induces vasodilation via nitric oxide and cAMP signaling

• unit: mcg

  low dose: 100

  frequency: 1x daily, 3–5 times per week

  high dose: 400

  standard dose: 200

  administration route: Intranasal

• Cycle: 3–5x weekly for 6–12 weeks. Pause 2–4 weeks between cycles depending on response and migraine risk.

common: ["Mild flushing","Dizziness","Nasal irritation"]

warnings: ["May provoke migraine attacks in sensitive populations","Should be avoided during active vasospastic events"]

long term: ["Limited long-term studies in humans; generally well-tolerated in short-term protocols"]

sequence: HSDGIFTDSYSRYRKQMAVKKYLAAVLGKRYKQRVKNK-NH2

half life: Short; enhanced with stabilization carriers in IN formulations

degradation: Rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidases and neutral endopeptidases

molecular weight: 4571.2

molecular formula: C203H333N59O61S

tissue specificity: Central nervous system, particularly hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex

• Effects of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide on Cell Death.mechanismPMID 35563353 ↗
• PACAP: Protective effects in stroke and dementia.reviewPMID 32445876 ↗