PACAP protects hippocampal neurons against apoptosis: Involvement of JNK/SAPK signaling pathway

Seiji Shioda, Hiroshi Ozawa, Kenji Dohi, Hidekatsu Mizushima, Kiyoshi Matsumoto, Shigeo Nakajo, Atsushi Takaki, Cheng Ji Zhou, Yasumitsu Nakai, Akira Arimura

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

113 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We have demonstrated that the ischemia-induced apoptosis of neurons in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus was prevented by either intracerebroventricular or intravenous infusion of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic effect of PACAP remain to be determined. Within 3-6 h after ischemia, the activities of members of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK), and p38 were increased in the hippocampus. The ischemic stress had a potent influence on the MAP kinase family, especially on JNK/SAPK. PACAP inhibited the activation of JNK/SAPK after ischemic stress. Secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6) into the cerebrospinal fluid was intensely stimulated after PACAP infusion. IL-6 inhibited the activation of JNK/SAPK, while it activated ERK. These observations suggest that PACAP and IL-6 act to inhibit the JNK/SAPK signaling pathway, thereby protecting neurons against apoptosis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)111-117
Number of pages7
JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Volume865
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1998

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Neuroscience(all)
  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)
  • History and Philosophy of Science

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