Abstract
Experimental and clinical evidence suggests that under conditions of acute and chronic inflammation, many organs and tissues are subjected to considerable oxidative stress induced by oxygen- and nitrogen-derived free radicals and/or reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, free radicals and ROS are essential in the first line of defense tools against infective agents, including bacteria and viruses. Moreover, a free radical, nitric oxide (NO) acts as an intra- and extracellular signal transducer. Thus, depending on the situation, free radicals and ROS can protect or damage cells and cellular processes. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been shown to suppress inflammation by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines in diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues and organs, with most of these diseases involving the oxidative stress. Recent studies have suggested that PACAP may regulate oxidative stress. This chapter summarizes free radicals and ROS and then the current knowledge on the effects of PACAP on CNS and non-CNS diseases that involve oxidative stress and inflammatory response.
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