Upon comparing the expression of each member of the PACAP/VIP neuropeptide system in this preclinical model of SLE, we observed a global upregulation of the PACAP, VIP and receptors both in the hippocampus and striatum, which was more remarkable (at the protein level) in the hippocampus of mice with severe disease (older mice). The gene discussed is ADCYAP1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.