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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.
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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
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