The first comprehensive book to cover all aspects of the last 25 years of PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) research, this book contains contributions from virtually all the leading researchers in the field, and addresses some of the following topics: evolutionary aspects of PACAP, distribution and occurrence of PACAP and its receptors, hormonal effects of PACAP, intracellular signaling, effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation, protective effects of PACAP, behavioral effects of PACAP, developmental aspects of PACAP, other physiological effects of PACAP (cardiovascular, thermoregulatory), human studies, drug design, metabolism and transport. This compendium can serve as an important reference for researchers and students in PACAP research and can also be a thorough introduction for those in related fields.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the first volume to be written on the neuropeptide PACAP. It covers all domains of PACAP from molecular and cellular aspects to physiological activities and promises for new therapeutic strategies. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the twentieth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.

This book provides the most up-to-date information on the ever-growing class of peptides with high biological activity, which function as hormones or neurotransmitters and have analogous structures. These peptides include the Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), the Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptides (PACAP 38 and PACAP 27), the Peptide Histidyl-Isoleucylamide and the Histidyl-Methionine Peptide (PHI and PHM), Helodermin, Helospectin, the Growth Hormone Releasing Factor (GRF), Glucagon, the Glucagon-like Peptides I and II, Oxyntomodulin, Glicentin and Secretin.Selection, organization and special subject matter: The contributors to this volume who are leading experts in their fields, present a valuable synopsis of the significant research in the transduction of the peptide signals, and how it helps to maintain the essential environment for cellular functions and adaptation. Contributions are organized around the molecular systems involved in the normal and altered functions of the central nervous system, the endocrine systems and cellular proliferation. In addition, the book identifies potential sites to be targeted for drug design and therapeutic development in the domain of biosynthesis, inflammation and cardiovascular and digestive diseases.This book draws together information from widely-scattered literature and thus obviates the need for time-consuming research on the part of the readers. It is aimed at an international audience of pharmacologists, physiologists, clinical investigators, biochemists and researchers.

Peptides play a crucial role in many physiological processes including actions as neurotransmitters, hormones, and antibiotics. Research has shown their importance in such fields as neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology, and cell biology. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides presents, for the first time, this tremendous body of knowledge in the field of biologically active peptides in one single reference. The section editors and contributors represent some of the most sophisticated and distinguished scientists working in basic sciences and clinical medicine. The Handbook of Biologically Active Peptides is a definitive, all-encompassing reference that will be indispensable for individuals ranging from peptide researchers, to biochemists, cell and molecular biologists, neuroscientists, pharmacologists, and to endocrinologists. Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas with which they would not ordinarily be familiar.*Chapters are designed to be a source for workers in the field and will enable researchers working in a specific area to examine other related areas that they would not ordinarily be familiar.*Fascinating relationships described in the book include the presence of some peptides originally found in frog skin that persist in the human human and brain where they can affect food intake and obesity.

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.

In this volume of papers research findings on vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP), and related peptides are presented. The authors provide information on the biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, signal transduction mechanisms, and pharmacology of these peptides. Their roles in neurobiology, cell proliferation and tumorogenesis, inflammation and tissue injury, endocrinology, gastrointestinal function, and other topics are discussed, along with clinical and potential therapeutic implications.