The presence of pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) receptors coupled to adenylate cyclase was investigated in four types of human pituitary adenomas: three null adenomas and five gonadotropin-, three ACTH-, four GH-, and four PRL-producing adenomas. In all samples, except in prolactinomas, PACAP(1-27) and PACAP(1-38) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity equally well and potently (K(act) around 3 nmol). Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was systematically 100- to 300-fold less potent than both PACAPs. In prolactinomas, PACAP(1-27), PACAP(1-38), and VIP were inactive despite a response of the enzyme to guanosine 5'-triphosphate, Gpp(NH)p, forskolin, and fluoride. [125I-AcHis1]PACAP(1-27) binding was detected in all samples except in prolactinomas. In addition, a detailed analysis of receptors was feasible in all five gonadotropin- and in two ACTH-producing adenomas, confirming the existence of selective PACAP receptors that recognized PACAP(1-27) and PACAP(1-38) with similar high affinity (IC50 0.8-1.5 nmol) and VIP with a low affinity (IC50 100 nmol/L).