Secretin vs PACAP-38

Head-to-head comparison of Secretin (Human Secretin) and PACAP-38 (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (human PACAP-38)) — benefits, dosing, side effects, research data, and where to buy.

Research Score

PropertySecretinPACAP-38
CategoryGastrointestinalCognitive Enhancement
Full NameHuman SecretinPituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide-38 (human PACAP-38)
Molecular Weight3055.4 Da4534 Da
Half-Life5-7 minutesminutes
Amino Acids2738 aa
Typical Dose0.2 mcg/kg IV10-100 µg preclinical range
RouteIntravenousIntranasal
Purity≥98%≥98%
Studies Count800650
Research StatusClinicalPre-clinical

Secretin Benefits

  • stimulates-pancreatic-secretion
  • supports-bicarbonate-release
  • aids-duodenal-pH-control
  • helps-digestive-coordination

PACAP-38 Benefits

  • synaptic plasticity
  • BDNF upregulation
  • neuroprotection
  • memory consolidation

Secretin Dosing

0.2 mcg/kg IV diagnostic dose|research infusion protocols|short bolus administration

PACAP-38 Dosing

0.1-1 nmol ICV in rodents|10-100 µg intranasal in preclinical studies|single-dose or short repeated protocols

Secretin Side Effects

  • flushing
  • nausea
  • abdominal-cramping

PACAP-38 Side Effects

  • headache-like effects
  • flushing
  • hypotension

Research Overview

Secretin

Secretin is a classic GI hormone with extensive physiology literature and established diagnostic use. It remains important for studying pancreatic secretory function, biliary responses, and duodenal feedback.

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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Common Stacking Partners

Secretin stacks with:

pancreatic-enzymesacid-controlmeal-timing

PACAP-38 stacks with:

citicolinealpha-gpcomega-3
pancreatic-secretionbicarbonateduodenal-hormonedigestionneurotrophicbdnfsynaptic-plasticityneuroprotection