Cholecystokinin-8 vs PACAP-38
Head-to-head comparison of Cholecystokinin-8 (Cholecystokinin (sulfated C-terminal octapeptide, CCK-8)) and PACAP-38 (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (human PACAP-38)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.
Research Score
| Property | Cholecystokinin-8 | PACAP-38 |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Endocrine Peptides | Cognitive Enhancement |
| Full Name | Cholecystokinin (sulfated C-terminal octapeptide, CCK-8) | Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (human PACAP-38) |
| Molecular Weight | 1143.2 Da | 4534 Da |
| Half-Life | 1-2 min | minutes |
| Amino Acids | DY(SO3H)MGWMDF-NH2 | 38 aa |
| Typical Dose | physiologic low-picomolar-nanomolar range|research-dependent | 10-100 µg preclinical range |
| Route | endogenous secretion|research IV/SC | Intranasal |
| Purity | ≥98% | ≥98% |
| Studies Count | 97 | 650 |
| Research Status | Endogenous | Pre-clinical |
Cholecystokinin-8 Benefits
- ✓gallbladder contraction
- ✓pancreatic enzyme release
- ✓satiety signaling
PACAP-38 Benefits
- ✓synaptic plasticity
- ✓BDNF upregulation
- ✓neuroprotection
- ✓memory consolidation
Cholecystokinin-8 Dosing
physiologic secretion|research-dependent
PACAP-38 Dosing
0.1-1 nmol ICV in rodents|10-100 µg intranasal in preclinical studies|single-dose or short repeated protocols
Cholecystokinin-8 Side Effects
- ⚠abdominal cramping
- ⚠nausea
- ⚠biliary contraction
PACAP-38 Side Effects
- ⚠headache-like effects
- ⚠flushing
- ⚠hypotension
Research Overview
Cholecystokinin-8
CCK-8 is a canonical gut hormone fragment with extensive documentation in digestive physiology and appetite control. Sulfation of the tyrosine residue is important for high-affinity receptor activity.
PACAP-38
PACAP-38 is one of the most studied endogenous neuropeptides for protecting neurons from ischemic and excitotoxic damage. Preclinical literature also links it to hippocampal plasticity and learning-related signaling, including increased BDNF expression.
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