PACAP type I receptor gene expression in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of rats

Abstract
WE have examined the distribution of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) type I receptor gene expression in the rat paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) using in situ hybridization histochemistry. PACAP type I receptor gene was expressed moderately in the whole area of the PVN and the SON. In particular, PACAP type I gene transcripts were found in both the magnocellular and the parvo- cellular parts of the PVN. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that neurosecretory cells in the PVN and the SON might be modulated by PACAP through PACAP type I receptor.