A cDNA coding for a human type VIII adenylyl cyclase has been isolated from human newborn brain-stem tissue. This cDNA is 6,005 bp long and encodes for a protein of 1251 amino acids, exhibiting the two sets of six transmembrane spanning regions and the hydrophobicity profile typical of other mammalian adenylyl cyclases. Comparison with the rat form shows that they share 97% identity in amino acids. Type VIII adenylyl cyclase is unique in that it has both a long carboxy terminal and a long amino terminal tail. This is the first report on a complete cDNA clone coding for a human adenylyl cyclase. The distribution and regulation of this particular adenylyl cyclase suggest that it may be involved in learning, in memory and in drug dependence.