PACAP 38, or Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide-38, is a widely distributed endogenous neuropeptide located in both sensory and parasympathetic perivascular nerve fibes. PACAP 38 acts primarily as a PAC1 agonist and is involved in neuroprotection, neurodevelopment, nociception and inflammation. PACAP 38 is a potent inducer of migraine like attacks in migraineurs and headache in non migraineurs.
