Cyclic adenosine monophosphate differentiated beta-endorphin neurons promote immune function and prevent prostate cancer growth.

ABSTRACT: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP), a cAMP-activating agent, is highly expressed in the hypothalamus during the period when many neuroendocrine cells become differentiated from the neural stem cells (NSCs). Activation of the cAMP system in rat hypothalamic NSCs differentiated these cells into beta-endorphin (BEP)-producing neurons in culture. When these in vitro differentiated neurons were transplanted into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus of an adult rat, they integrated well with the surrounding cells and produced BEP and its precursor gene product, proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Animals with BEP cell transplants demonstrated remarkable protection against carcinogen induction of prostate cancer. Unlike carcinogen-treated animals with control cell tra

SUBMITTER: Sarkar DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2449372 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature