Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a basic 38-amino acid
regulatory peptide contained in the adrenal gland and involved in the control of its
secretory activity. Bilateral splanchnic-nerve section caused in the rat a significant
decrease in PACAP38 adrenal content and concentration, as measured by RIA. In contrast,
chemical sympathectomy, obtained by administering newborn rats with 6-hydroxydopamine,
was ineffective. Our findings support the view that splanchnic nerves play an important
role in the control of rat adrenal function.
PACAP - Adrenal Gland - Splanchnotomy - Sympathectomy - Rat
