neuropeptide s
DESCRIPTION
Neuropeptide S. Justin P. Smith. What are they?. Small protein-like molecules (peptides) Used by neurons to communicate Influence activity, act on neuronal surface receptors NPSR- G-protein coupled receptor Stimulates Ca ++ and cAMP. NPS Structure. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Neuropeptide S
Justin P. Smith
What are they?
• Small protein-like molecules (peptides)• Used by neurons to communicate• Influence activity, act on neuronal surface
receptors• NPSR- G-protein coupled receptor– Stimulates Ca++ and cAMP
NPS Structure
Discovered via reverse pharmacology, deorphanized receptor
NPS functional role in:
• Anxiety• Arousal• Locomotion • Food intake• Memory• Drug addiction
NPS expression• Co-expressed with excitatory
neurotransmitters• Additional (+) input to postsynaptic target of
excitatory neurons• Anxiolytic-like effects– EPM, light-dark box, open field, elevated zero
maze– No effect in: Tail suspension or forced swim
NPSR
• NPSR mRNA- expressed in stress related areas– Amygdala– BNST– Hypothalamus– Raphe Nucleus– Ventral tegmental area
• Pre-synaptic inhibitory effects of NPS on 5-HT and NE in cortex, role in anxiolytic effect?
NPS & Learning and Memory
• Regulation of learning process– Interferes with contextual expression of fear
memory (but not auditory)– Facilitates conditioned fear response extinction
(when injected into amygdala)
• Improved memory– Novel object recognition test– Morris water maze
When finding articles
• Neuroscience and behavior• Use this review as a starting point– Check to see what the groups mentioned herein
are doing now– Key words extravaganza – Pick what interests you!– Ask me or Dr. Summers for help