1
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Zhang R, Huang D, Gasparini S, Geerling JC. Efferent projections of Nps-expressing neurons in the parabrachial region. J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25629. [PMID: 39031887 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
In the brain, connectivity determines function. Neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) relay diverse information to widespread brain regions, but the connections and functions of PB neurons that express Nps (neuropeptide S, NPS) remain mysterious. Here, we use Cre-dependent anterograde tracing and whole-brain analysis to map their output connections. While many other PB neurons project ascending axons through the central tegmental tract, NPS axons reach the forebrain via distinct periventricular and ventral pathways. Along the periventricular pathway, NPS axons target the tectal longitudinal column and periaqueductal gray, then continue rostrally to target the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Along the ventral pathway, NPS axons blanket much of the hypothalamus but avoid the ventromedial and mammillary nuclei. They also project prominently to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, A13 cell group, and magnocellular subparafasciular nucleus. In the hindbrain, NPS axons have fewer descending projections, targeting primarily the superior salivatory nucleus, nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, and periolivary region. Combined with what is known already about NPS and its receptor, the output pattern of Nps-expressing neurons in the PB region predicts roles in threat response and circadian behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richie Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Dake Huang
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Silvia Gasparini
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Joel C Geerling
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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2
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Shirsath KR, Patil VK, Awathale SN, Goyal SN, Nakhate KT. Pathophysiological and therapeutic implications of neuropeptide S system in neurological disorders. Peptides 2024; 175:171167. [PMID: 38325715 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a 20 amino acids-containing neuroactive molecule discovered by the reverse pharmacology method. NPS is detected in specific brain regions like the brainstem, amygdala, and hypothalamus, while its receptor (NPSR) is ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). Besides CNS, NPS and NPSR are also expressed in the peripheral nervous system. NPSR is a G-protein coupled receptor that primarily uses Gq and Gs signaling pathways to mediate the actions of NPS. In animal models of Parkinsonism and Alzheimer's disease, NPS exerts neuroprotective effects. NPS suppresses oxidative stress, anxiety, food intake, and pain, and promotes arousal. NPSR facilitates reward, reinforcement, and addiction-related behaviors. Genetic variation and single nucleotide polymorphism in NPSR are associated with depression, schizophrenia, rheumatoid arthritis, and asthma. NPS interacts with several neurotransmitters including glutamate, noradrenaline, serotonin, corticotropin-releasing factor, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. It also modulates the immune system via augmenting pro-inflammatory cytokines and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. In the present review, we discussed the distribution profile of NPS and NPSR, signaling pathways, and their importance in the pathophysiology of various neurological disorders. We have also proposed the areas where further investigations on the NPS system are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamini R Shirsath
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Vaishnavi K Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjay N Awathale
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sameer N Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kartik T Nakhate
- Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India.
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3
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Xing L, Zou X, Yin C, Webb JM, Shi G, Ptáček LJ, Fu YH. Diverse roles of pontine NPS-expressing neurons in sleep regulation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2320276121. [PMID: 38381789 PMCID: PMC10907243 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2320276121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) was postulated to be a wake-promoting neuropeptide with unknown mechanism, and a mutation in its receptor (NPSR1) causes the short sleep duration trait in humans. We investigated the role of different NPS+ nuclei in sleep/wake regulation. Loss-of-function and chemogenetic studies revealed that NPS+ neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) are wake-promoting, whereas peri-locus coeruleus (peri-LC) NPS+ neurons are not important for sleep/wake modulation. Further, we found that a NPS+ nucleus in the central gray of the pons (CGPn) strongly promotes sleep. Fiber photometry recordings showed that NPS+ neurons are wake-active in the CGPn and wake/REM-sleep active in the PB and peri-LC. Blocking NPS-NPSR1 signaling or knockdown of Nps supported the function of the NPS-NPSR1 pathway in sleep/wake regulation. Together, these results reveal that NPS and NPS+ neurons play dichotomous roles in sleep/wake regulation at both the molecular and circuit levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Xing
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Xianlin Zou
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Chen Yin
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - John M. Webb
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Guangsen Shi
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan528400, China
| | - Louis J. Ptáček
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Ying-Hui Fu
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
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4
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Angelakos CC, Girven KS, Liu Y, Gonzalez OC, Murphy KR, Jennings KJ, Giardino WJ, Zweifel LS, Suko A, Palmiter RD, Clark SD, Krasnow MA, Bruchas MR, de Lecea L. A cluster of neuropeptide S neurons regulates breathing and arousal. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5439-5455.e7. [PMID: 38056461 PMCID: PMC10842921 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a highly conserved peptide found in all tetrapods that functions in the brain to promote heightened arousal; however, the subpopulations mediating these phenomena remain unknown. We generated mice expressing Cre recombinase from the Nps gene locus (NpsCre) and examined populations of NPS+ neurons in the lateral parabrachial area (LPBA), the peri-locus coeruleus (peri-LC) region of the pons, and the dorsomedial thalamus (DMT). We performed brain-wide mapping of input and output regions of NPS+ clusters and characterized expression patterns of the NPS receptor 1 (NPSR1). While the activity of all three NPS+ subpopulations tracked with vigilance state, only NPS+ neurons of the LPBA exhibited both increased activity prior to wakefulness and decreased activity during REM sleep, similar to the behavioral phenotype observed upon NPSR1 activation. Accordingly, we found that activation of the LPBA but not the peri-LC NPS+ neurons increased wake and reduced REM sleep. Furthermore, given the extended role of the LPBA in respiration and the link between behavioral arousal and breathing rate, we demonstrated that the LPBA but not the peri-LC NPS+ neuronal activation increased respiratory rate. Together, our data suggest that NPS+ neurons of the LPBA represent an unexplored subpopulation regulating breathing, and they are sufficient to recapitulate the sleep/wake phenotypes observed with broad NPS system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Caleb Angelakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kasey S Girven
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; University of Washington Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Oscar C Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Keith R Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Kim J Jennings
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - William J Giardino
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Azra Suko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; University of Washington Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Richard D Palmiter
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Stewart D Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Mark A Krasnow
- Department of Biochemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; University of Washington Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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5
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Huang Y, Wojciechowski A, Feldman K, Ettaro R, Veros K, Ritter M, Carvalho Costa P, DiStasio J, Peirick JJ, Reissner KJ, Runyon SP, Clark SD. RTI-263, a biased neuropeptide S receptor agonist that retains an anxiolytic effect, attenuates cocaine-seeking behavior in rats. Neuropharmacology 2023; 241:109743. [PMID: 37820934 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a neuromodulatory peptide that acts via a G protein-coupled receptor. Centrally administered NPS suppresses anxiety-like behaviors in rodents while producing a paradoxical increase in arousal. In addition, NPS increases drug-seeking behavior when administered during cue-induced reinstatement. Conversely, an NPS receptor (NPSR) antagonist, RTI-118, decreases cocaine-seeking behavior. A biased NPSR ligand, RTI-263, produces anxiolytic-like effects and has memory-enhancing effects similar to those of NPS but without the increase in arousal. In the present study, we show that RTI-263 decreased cocaine seeking by both male and female rats during cue-induced reinstatement. However, RTI-263 did not modulate the animals' behaviors during natural reward paradigms, such as palatable food intake, feeding during a fasting state, and cue-induced reinstatement of sucrose seeking. Therefore, NPSR biased agonists are a potential pharmacotherapy for substance use disorder because of the combined benefits of decreased drug seeking and the suppression of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Alaina Wojciechowski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Kyle Feldman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Robert Ettaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Kaliana Veros
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Morgan Ritter
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Paula Carvalho Costa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Jacob DiStasio
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Jennifer J Peirick
- Laboratory Animal Facilities, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Kathryn J Reissner
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Scott P Runyon
- Research Triangle Institute, Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Stewart D Clark
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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6
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Zhang R, Huang D, Gasparini S, Geerling JC. Efferent projections of Nps-expressing neurons in the parabrachial region. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.13.553140. [PMID: 37645772 PMCID: PMC10462015 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.13.553140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In the brain, connectivity determines function. Neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PB) relay diverse information to widespread brain regions, but the connections and functions of PB neurons that express Nps (neuropeptide S) remain mysterious. Here, we use Cre-dependent anterograde tracing and whole-brain analysis to map their output connections. While many other PB neurons project ascending axons through the central tegmental tract, NPS axons reach the forebrain via distinct periventricular and ventral pathways. Along the periventricular pathway, NPS axons target the tectal longitudinal column and periaqueductal gray then continue rostrally to target the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus. Along the ventral pathway, NPS axons blanket much of the hypothalamus but avoid the ventromedial and mammillary nuclei. They also project prominently to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, A13 cell group, and magnocellular subparafasciular nucleus. In the hindbrain, NPS axons have fewer descending projections, targeting primarily the superior salivatory nucleus, nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, and periolivary region. Combined with what is known about NPS and its receptor, the output pattern of Nps-expressing neurons in the PB region predicts a role in threat response and circadian behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richie Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa
| | - Dake Huang
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa
| | - Silvia Gasparini
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa
| | - Joel C. Geerling
- Department of Neurology and Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa
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7
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Xiang G, Liu X, Wang J, Lu S, Yu M, Zhang Y, Sun B, Huang B, Lu XY, Li X, Zhang D. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α activation facilitates contextual fear extinction and modulates intrinsic excitability of dentate gyrus neurons. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:206. [PMID: 37322045 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus encodes contextual information associated with fear, and cell activity in the DG is required for acquisition and extinction of contextual fear. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here we show that mice deficient for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) exhibited a slower rate of contextual fear extinction. Furthermore, selective deletion of PPARα in the DG attenuated, while activation of PPARα in the DG by local infusion of aspirin facilitated extinction of contextual fear. The intrinsic excitability of DG granule neurons was reduced by PPARα deficiency but increased by activation of PPARα with aspirin. Using RNA-Seq transcriptome we found that the transcription level of neuropeptide S receptor 1 (Npsr1) was tightly correlated with PPARα activation. Our results provide evidence that PPARα plays an important role in regulating DG neuronal excitability and contextual fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Jiangong Wang
- Institute of Metabolic and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256600, China
| | - Shunshun Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Meng Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bin Sun
- National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Xin-Yun Lu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xingang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital and Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, 250012, China.
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8
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Huang D, Zhang R, Gasparini S, McDonough MC, Paradee WJ, Geerling JC. Neuropeptide S (NPS) neurons: Parabrachial identity and novel distributions. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:3157-3178. [PMID: 36036349 PMCID: PMC9588594 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) increases wakefulness. A small number of neurons in the brainstem express Nps. These neurons are located in or near the parabrachial nucleus (PB), but we know very little about their ontogeny, connectivity, and function. To identify Nps-expressing neurons within the molecular framework of the PB region, we used in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, and Cre-reporter labeling in mice. The primary concentration of Nps-expressing neurons borders the lateral lemniscus at far-rostral levels of the lateral PB. Caudal to this main cluster, Nps-expressing neurons scatter through the PB and form a secondary concentration medial to the locus coeruleus (LC). Most Nps-expressing neurons in the PB region are Atoh1-derived, Foxp2-expressing, and mutually exclusive with neurons expressing Calca or Lmx1b. Among Foxp2-expressing PB neurons, those expressing Nps are distinct from intermingled subsets expressing Cck or Pdyn. Examining Nps Cre-reporter expression throughout the brain identified novel populations of neurons in the nucleus incertus, anterior hypothalamus, and lateral habenula. This information will help focus experimental questions about the connectivity and function of NPS neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dake Huang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
| | - Richie Zhang
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowa
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9
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Li C, Wu XJ, Li W. Neuropeptide S promotes maintenance of newly formed dendritic spines and performance improvement after motor learning in mice. Peptides 2022; 156:170860. [PMID: 35970276 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS), an endogenous neuropeptide consisting of 20 amino acids, selectively binds and activates G protein-coupled receptor named neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) to regulate a variety of physiological functions. NPS/NPSR system has been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating learning and memory in rodents. However, it remains unclear that how NPS/NPSR system affects neuronal functions and synaptic plasticity after learning. We found that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPS promoted performance improvement and reduced sleep duration after motor learning, which could be blocked by pre-treatment with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of NPSR antagonist SHA 68. Using intravital two-photon imaging, we examined the effect of NPS on the postsynaptic dendritic spines of layer V pyramidal neurons in the mouse primary motor cortex after motor learning. We found that i.c.v. injection of NPS strengthened learning-induce new spines and facilitated their survival over time. Furthermore, i.c.v. injection of NPS increased calcium activity of apical dendrites and dendritic spines of layer V pyramidal neurons in the mouse primary motor cortex during the running period. These findings suggest that activation of NPSR by NPS increases synaptic calcium activity and learning-related synapse maintenance, thereby contributing to performance improvement after motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Xu-Jun Wu
- Institute of Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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10
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A Role for Neuropeptide S in Alcohol and Cocaine Seeking. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070800. [PMID: 35890099 PMCID: PMC9317571 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide S (NPS) is the endogenous ligand of the NPS receptor (NPSR). The NPSR is widely expressed in brain regions that process emotional and affective behavior. NPS possesses a unique physio-pharmacological profile, being anxiolytic and promoting arousal at the same time. Intracerebroventricular NPS decreased alcohol consumption in alcohol-preferring rats with no effect in non-preferring control animals. This outcome is most probably linked to the anxiolytic properties of NPS, since alcohol preference is often associated with high levels of basal anxiety and intense stress-reactivity. In addition, NPSR mRNA was overexpressed during ethanol withdrawal and the anxiolytic-like effects of NPS were increased in rodents with a history of alcohol dependence. In line with these preclinical findings, a polymorphism of the NPSR gene was associated with anxiety traits contributing to alcohol use disorders in humans. NPS also potentiated the reinstatement of cocaine and ethanol seeking induced by drug-paired environmental stimuli and the blockade of NPSR reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking. Altogether, the work conducted so far indicates the NPS/NPSR system as a potential target to develop new treatments for alcohol and cocaine abuse. An NPSR agonist would be indicated to help individuals to quit alcohol consumption and to alleviate withdrawal syndrome, while NPSR antagonists would be indicated to prevent relapse to alcohol- and cocaine-seeking behavior.
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11
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Garau C, Liu X, Calo G, Schulz S, Reinscheid RK. Neuropeptide S Encodes Stimulus Salience in the Paraventricular Thalamus. Neuroscience 2022; 496:83-95. [PMID: 35710064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of stimulus salience is critical for any higher organism, as it allows for prioritizing of vital information, preparation of responses, and formation of valuable memory. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has recently been identified as an integrator of stimulus salience but the neurochemical basis and afferent input regarding salience signaling have remained elusive. Here we report that neuropeptide S (NPS) signaling in the PVT is necessary for stimulus salience encoding, including aversive, neutral and reinforcing sensory input. Taking advantage of a striking deficit of both NPS receptor (NPSR1) and NPS precursor knockout mice in fear extinction or novel object memory formation, we demonstrate that intra-PVT injections of NPS can rescue the phenotype in NPS precursor knockout mice by increasing the salience of otherwise low-intensity stimuli, while intra-PVT injections of NPSR1 antagonist in wild type mice partially replicates the knockout phenotype. The PVT appears to provide stimulus salience encoding in a dose- and NPS-dependent manner. PVT NPSR1 neurons recruit the nucleus accumbens shell and structures in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, which were previously linked to the brain salience network. Overall, these results demonstrate that stimulus salience encoding is critically associated with NPS activity in the PVT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Garau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Girolamo' Calo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Rainer K Reinscheid
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany.
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12
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Markiewicz-Gospodarek A, Kuszta P, Baj J, Dobrowolska B, Markiewicz R. Can Neuropeptide S Be an Indicator for Assessing Anxiety in Psychiatric Disorders? Front Public Health 2022; 10:872430. [PMID: 35558538 PMCID: PMC9087177 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.872430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a neuropeptide primarily produced within three brainstem regions including locus coeruleus, trigeminal nerve nucleus, and lateral parabrachial nucleus. NPS is involved in the central regulation of stress, fear, and cognitive integration. NPS is a mediator of behavior, seeking food, and the proliferation of new adipocytes in the setting of obesity. So far, current research of NPS is only limited to animal models; data regarding its functions in humans is still scarce. Animal studies showed that anxiety and appetite might be suppressed by the action of NPS. The discovery of this neuromodulator peptide is effective considering its strong anxiolytic action, which has the potential to be an interesting therapeutic option in treating neuropsychiatric disorders. In this article, we aimed to analyze the pharmaceutical properties of NPS as well as its influence on several neurophysiological aspects-modulation of behavior, association with obesity, as well as its potential application in rehabilitation and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Piotr Kuszta
- Students Scientific Association at the Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Dobrowolska
- Department of Holistic Care and Management in Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Renata Markiewicz
- Department of Neurology, Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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Tobinski AM, Rappeneau V. Role of the Neuropeptide S System in Emotionality, Stress Responsiveness and Addiction-Like Behaviours in Rodents: Relevance to Stress-Related Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080780. [PMID: 34451877 PMCID: PMC8400992 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide S (NPS) and its receptor (NPSR1) have been extensively studied over the last two decades for their roles in locomotion, arousal/wakefulness and anxiety-related and fear-related behaviours in rodents. However, the possible implications of the NPS/NPSR1 system, especially those of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324981, in stress-related disorders and substance abuse in humans remain unclear. This is possibly due to the fact that preclinical and clinical research studies have remained separated, and a comprehensive description of the role of the NPS/NPSR1 system in stress-relevant and reward-relevant endpoints in humans and rodents is lacking. In this review, we describe the role of the NPS/NPSR1 system in emotionality, stress responsiveness and addiction-like behaviour in rodents. We also summarize the alterations in the NPS/NPSR1 system in individuals with stress-related disorders, as well as the impact of the SNP rs324981 on emotion, stress responses and neural activation in healthy individuals. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic potential and possible caveats of targeting the NPS/NPSR1 system for the treatment of stress-related disorders. The primary goal of this review is to highlight the importance of studying some rodent behavioural readouts modulated by the NPS/NPSR1 system and relevant to stress-related disorders.
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14
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Bengoetxea X, Goedecke L, Remmes J, Blaesse P, Grosch T, Lesting J, Pape HC, Jüngling K. Human-Specific Neuropeptide S Receptor Variants Regulate Fear Extinction in the Basal Amygdala of Male and Female Mice Depending on Threat Salience. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:145-155. [PMID: 33902914 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.02.967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in the neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) gene (rs324981) results in isoleucine-to-asparagine substitution at amino acid 107. In humans, the ancestral variant (NPSR1 I107) is associated with increased anxiety sensitivity and risk of panic disorder, while the human-specific variant (NPSR1 N107) is considered protective against excessive anxiety. In rodents, neurobiological constituents of the NPS system have been analyzed in detail and their anxiolytic-like effects have been endorsed. However, their implication for anxiety and related disorders in humans remains unclear, as rodents carry only the ancestral NPSR1 I107 variant. METHODS We hypothesized that phenotypic correlates of NPSR1 variants manifest in fear-related circuits in the amygdala. We used CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9)-mediated gene editing to generate a "humanized" mouse strain, in which individuals express either NPSR1 I107 or NPSR1 N107. RESULTS Stimulation of NPSR1 evoked excitatory responses in principal neurons of the anterior basal amygdala with significant differences in magnitude between genotypes, resulting in synaptic disinhibition of putative extinction neurons in the posterior basal amygdala in mice expressing the human-specific hypofunctional N107 but not the ancestral I107 variant. N107 mice displayed improved extinction of conditioned fear, which was phenocopied after pharmacological antagonism of NPSR1 in the anterior basal amygdala of I107 mice. Differences in fear extinction between male and female mice were related to an interaction of Npsr1 genotype and salience of fear training. CONCLUSIONS The NPS system regulates extinction circuits in the amygdala depending on the Npsr1 genotype, contributing to sex-specific differences in fear extinction and high anxiety sensitivity of individuals bearing the ancestral NPSR1 I107 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Bengoetxea
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Lena Goedecke
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Jasmin Remmes
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Peter Blaesse
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Thomas Grosch
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Lesting
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Kay Jüngling
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
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15
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Dissociative Effects of Neuropeptide S Receptor Deficiency and Nasal Neuropeptide S Administration on T-Maze Discrimination and Reversal Learning. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14070643. [PMID: 34358069 PMCID: PMC8308873 DOI: 10.3390/ph14070643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to modify learned behavior in response to changes in the environment. In laboratory rodents, cognitive flexibility can be assessed in reversal learning, i.e., the change of contingencies, for example in T-maze discrimination learning. The present study investigated the role of the neuropeptide S (NPS) system in cognitive flexibility. In the first experiment, mice deficient of NPS receptors (NPSR) were tested in T-maze discrimination and reversal learning. In the second experiment, C57BL/6J mice were tested in the T-maze after nasal administration of NPS. Finally, the effect of nasal NPS on locomotor activity was evaluated. NPSR deficiency positively affected the acquisition of T-maze discrimination but had no effects on reversal learning. Nasal NPS administration facilitated reversal learning and supported an allocentric learning strategy without affecting acquisition of the task or locomotor activity. Taken together, the present data show that the NPS system is able to modulate both acquisition of T-maze discrimination and its reversal learning. However, NPSR deficiency only improved discrimination learning, while nasal NPS administration only improved reversal learning, i.e., cognitive flexibility. These effects, which at first glance appear to be contradictory, could be due to the different roles of the NPS system in the brain regions that are important for learning and cognitive flexibility.
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16
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Park S, Flüthmann P, Wolany C, Goedecke L, Spenner HM, Budde T, Pape HC, Jüngling K. Neuropeptide S Receptor Stimulation Excites Principal Neurons in Murine Basolateral Amygdala through a Calcium-Dependent Decrease in Membrane Potassium Conductance. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14060519. [PMID: 34072275 PMCID: PMC8230190 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The neuropeptide S system, consisting of the 20 amino acid neuropeptide NPS and its G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), has been studied intensively in rodents. Although there is a lot of data retrieved from behavioral studies using pharmacology or genetic interventions, little is known about intracellular signaling cascades in neurons endogenously expressing the NPSR1. Methods: To elucidate possible G-protein-dependent signaling and effector systems, we performed whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on principal neurons of the anterior basolateral amygdala of mice. We used pharmacological interventions to characterize the NPSR1-mediated current induced by NPS application. Results: Application of NPS reliably evokes inward-directed currents in amygdalar neurons recorded in brain slice preparations of male and female mice. The NPSR1-mediated current had a reversal potential near the potassium reversal potential (EK) and was accompanied by an increase in membrane input resistance. GDP-β-S and BAPTA, but neither adenylyl cyclase inhibition nor 8-Br-cAMP, abolished the current. Intracellular tetraethylammonium or 4-aminopyridine reduced the NPS-evoked current. Conclusion: NPSR1 activation in amygdalar neurons inhibits voltage-gated potassium (K+) channels, most likely members of the delayed rectifier family. Intracellularly, Gαq signaling and calcium ions seem to be mandatory for the observed current and increased neuronal excitability.
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Si W, Liu X, Pape HC, Reinscheid RK. Neuropeptide S-Mediated Modulation of Prepulse Inhibition Depends on Age, Gender, Stimulus-Timing, and Attention. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:489. [PMID: 34065431 PMCID: PMC8160819 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Conflicting reports about the role of neuropeptide S (NPS) in animal models of psychotic-like behavior and inconsistent results from human genetic studies seeking potential associations with schizophrenia prompted us to reevaluate the effects of NPS in the prepulse inhibition (PPI) paradigm in mice. Careful examination of NPS receptor (NPSR1) knockout mice at different ages revealed that PPI deficits are only expressed in young male knockout animals (<12 weeks of age), that can be replicated in NPS precursor knockout mice and appear strain-independent, but are absent in female mice. PPI deficits can be aggravated by MK-801 and alleviated by clozapine. Importantly, treatment of wildtype mice with a centrally-active NPSR1 antagonist was able to mimic PPI deficits. PPI impairment in young male NPSR1 and NPS knockout mice may be caused by attentional deficits that are enhanced by increasing interstimulus intervals. Our data reveal a substantial NPS-dependent developmental influence on PPI performance and confirm a significant role of attentional processes for sensory-motor gating. Through its influence on attention and arousal, NPS appears to positively modulate PPI in young animals, whereas compensatory mechanisms may alleviate NPS-dependent deficits in older mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Si
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (W.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; (W.S.); (X.L.)
| | - Hans-Christian Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Rainer K. Reinscheid
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, 48149 Münster, Germany;
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
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18
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Chou Y, Hor CC, Lee MT, Lee H, Guerrini R, Calo G, Chiou L. Stress induces reinstatement of extinguished cocaine conditioned place preference by a sequential signaling via neuropeptide S, orexin, and endocannabinoid. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12971. [PMID: 33078457 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurons containing neuropeptide S (NPS) and orexins are activated during stress. Previously, we reported that orexins released during stress, via orexin OX1 receptors (OX1 Rs), contribute to the reinstatement of cocaine seeking through endocannabinoid/CB1 receptor (CB1 R)-mediated dopaminergic disinhibition in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Here, we further demonstrated that NPS released during stress is an up-stream activator of this orexin-endocannabinoid cascade in the VTA, leading to the reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Mice were trained to acquire cocaine conditioned place preference (CPP) by context-pairing cocaine injections followed by the extinction training with context-pairing saline injections. Interestingly, the extinguished cocaine CPP in mice was significantly reinstated by intracerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) of NPS (1 nmol) in a manner prevented by intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of SHA68 (50 mg/kg), an NPS receptor antagonist. This NPS-induced cocaine reinstatement was prevented by either i.p. or intra-VTA microinjection (i.vta.) of SB-334867 (15 mg/kg, i.p. or 15 nmol, i.vta.) and AM 251 (1.1 mg/kg, i.p. or 30 nmol, i.vta.), antagonists of OX1 Rs and CB1 Rs, respectively. Besides, NPS (1 nmol, i.c.v.) increased the number of c-Fos-containing orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and increased orexin-A level in the VTA. The latter effect was blocked by SHA68. Furthermore, a 30-min restraint stress in mice reinstated extinguished cocaine CPP and was prevented by SHA68. These results suggest that NPS is released upon stress and subsequently activates LH orexin neurons to release orexins in the VTA. The released orexins then reinstate extinguished cocaine CPP via an OX1 R- and endocannabinoid-CB1 R-mediated signaling in the VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐Hsien Chou
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Chia Chun Hor
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Ming Tatt Lee
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences UCSI University Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
| | - Hsin‐Jung Lee
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA) University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Medical Sciences University of Ferrara Ferrara Italy
| | - Lih‐Chu Chiou
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Sciences China Medical University Taichung Taiwan
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19
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Reinscheid RK, Ruzza C. Pharmacology, Physiology and Genetics of the Neuropeptide S System. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050401. [PMID: 33922620 PMCID: PMC8146834 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neuropeptide S (NPS) system is a rather ‘young’ transmitter system that was discovered and functionally described less than 20 years ago. This review highlights the progress that has been made in elucidating its pharmacology, anatomical distribution, and functional involvement in a variety of physiological effects, including behavior and immune functions. Early on, genetic variations of the human NPS receptor (NPSR1) have attracted attention and we summarize current hypotheses of genetic linkage with disease and human behaviors. Finally, we review the therapeutic potential of future drugs modulating NPS signaling. This review serves as an introduction to the broad collection of original research papers and reviews from experts in the field that are presented in this Special Issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K. Reinscheid
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University Hospital Jena, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence: (R.K.R.); (C.R.)
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.K.R.); (C.R.)
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20
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The Neural Network of Neuropeptide S (NPS): Implications in Food Intake and Gastrointestinal Functions. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14040293. [PMID: 33810221 PMCID: PMC8065993 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Neuropeptide S (NPS), a 20 amino acids peptide, is recognized as the endogenous ligand of a previously orphan G protein-coupled receptor, now termed NPS receptor (NPSR). The limited distribution of the NPS-expressing neurons in few regions of the brainstem is in contrast with the extensive expression of NPSR in the rodent central nervous system, suggesting the involvement of this receptor in several brain functions. In particular, NPS promotes locomotor activity, behavioral arousal, wakefulness, and unexpectedly, at the same time, it exerts anxiolytic-like properties. Intriguingly, the NPS system is implicated in the rewarding properties of drugs of abuse and in the regulation of food intake. Here, we focus on the anorexigenic effect of NPS, centrally injected in different brain areas, in both sated and fasted animals, fed with standard or palatable food, and, in addition, on its influence in the gastrointestinal tract. Further investigations, regarding the role of the NPS/NPSR system and its potential interaction with other neurotransmitters could be useful to understand the mechanisms underlying its action and to develop novel pharmacological tools for the treatment of aberrant feeding patterns and obesity.
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21
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Kolodziejczyk MH, Faesel N, Koch M, Fendt M. Sociability and extinction of conditioned social fear is affected in neuropeptide S receptor-deficient mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 393:112782. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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22
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Chauveau F, Claverie D, Lardant E, Varin C, Hardy E, Walter A, Canini F, Rouach N, Rancillac A. Neuropeptide S promotes wakefulness through the inhibition of sleep-promoting ventrolateral preoptic nucleus neurons. Sleep 2020; 43:5547657. [PMID: 31403694 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES The regulation of sleep-wake cycles is crucial for the brain's health and cognitive skills. Among the various substances known to control behavioral states, intraventricular injection of neuropeptide S (NPS) has already been shown to promote wakefulness. However, the NPS signaling pathway remains elusive. In this study, we characterized the effects of NPS in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) of the hypothalamus, one of the major brain structures regulating non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. METHODS We combined polysomnographic recordings, vascular reactivity, and patch-clamp recordings in mice VLPO to determine the NPS mode of action. RESULTS We demonstrated that a local infusion of NPS bilaterally into the anterior hypothalamus (which includes the VLPO) significantly increases awakening and specifically decreases NREM sleep. Furthermore, we established that NPS application on acute brain slices induces strong and reversible tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive constriction of blood vessels in the VLPO. This effect strongly suggests that the local neuronal network is downregulated in the presence of NPS. At the cellular level, we revealed by electrophysiological recordings and in situ hybridization that NPSR mRNAs are only expressed by non-Gal local GABAergic neurons, which are depolarized by the application of NPS. Simultaneously, we showed that NPS hyperpolarizes sleep-promoting neurons, which is associated with an increased frequency in their spontaneous IPSC inputs. CONCLUSION Altogether, our data reveal that NPS controls local neuronal activity in the VLPO. Following the depolarization of local GABAergic neurons, NPS indirectly provokes feed-forward inhibition onto sleep-promoting neurons, which translates into a decrease in NREM sleep to favor arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Chauveau
- IRBA (Armed Biomedical Research Institute), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Damien Claverie
- IRBA (Armed Biomedical Research Institute), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Emma Lardant
- IRBA (Armed Biomedical Research Institute), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
| | - Christophe Varin
- Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, UMR 8249, ESPCI-ParisTech, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eléonore Hardy
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, CIRB, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241/Inserm U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Augustin Walter
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, CIRB, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241/Inserm U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Canini
- IRBA (Armed Biomedical Research Institute), Brétigny-sur-Orge, France.,Ecole du Val de Grâce, Laveran, Paris
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, CIRB, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241/Inserm U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Armelle Rancillac
- Brain Plasticity Unit, CNRS, UMR 8249, ESPCI-ParisTech, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, CIRB, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241/Inserm U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
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23
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Pasquettaz R, Kolotuev I, Rohrbach A, Gouelle C, Pellerin L, Langlet F. Peculiar protrusions along tanycyte processes face diverse neural and nonneural cell types in the hypothalamic parenchyma. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:553-575. [PMID: 32515035 PMCID: PMC7818493 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tanycytes are highly specialized ependymal cells that line the bottom and the lateral walls of the third ventricle. In contact with the cerebrospinal fluid through their cell bodies, they send processes into the arcuate nucleus, the ventromedial nucleus, and the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. In the present work, we combined transgenic and immunohistochemical approaches to investigate the neuroanatomical associations between tanycytes and neural cells present in the hypothalamic parenchyma, in particular in the arcuate nucleus. The specific expression of tdTomato in tanycytes first allowed the observation of peculiar subcellular protrusions along tanycyte processes and at their endfeet such as spines, swelling, en passant boutons, boutons, or claws. Interestingly, these protrusions contact different neural cells in the brain parenchyma including blood vessels and neurons, and in particular NPY and POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Using both fluorescent and electron microscopy, we finally observed that these tanycyte protrusions contain ribosomes, mitochondria, diverse vesicles, and transporters, suggesting dense tanycyte/neuron and tanycyte/blood vessel communications. Altogether, our results lay the neuroanatomical basis for tanycyte/neural cell interactions, which will be useful to further understand cell-to-cell communications involved in the regulation of neuroendocrine functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane Pasquettaz
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Irina Kolotuev
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Rohrbach
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cathy Gouelle
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Luc Pellerin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Centre de Résonance Magnétique des Systèmes Biologiques, UMR5536 CNRS, LabEx TRAIL-IBIO, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Cedex, France.,Inserm U1082, Universite de Poitiers, Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Fanny Langlet
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Varga AG, Maletz SN, Bateman JT, Reid BT, Levitt ES. Neurochemistry of the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus from a respiratory perspective. J Neurochem 2020; 156:16-37. [PMID: 32396650 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KF) is a functionally distinct component of the parabrachial complex, located in the dorsolateral pons of mammals. The KF has a major role in respiration and upper airway control. A comprehensive understanding of the KF and its contributions to respiratory function and dysfunction requires an appreciation for its neurochemical characteristics. The goal of this review is to summarize the diverse neurochemical composition of the KF, focusing on the neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neuropeptides present. We also include a description of the receptors expressed on KF neurons and transporters involved in each system, as well as their putative roles in respiratory physiology. Finally, we provide a short section reviewing the literature regarding neurochemical changes in the KF in the context of respiratory dysfunction observed in SIDS and Rett syndrome. By over-viewing the current literature on the neurochemical composition of the KF, this review will serve to aid a wide range of topics in the future research into the neural control of respiration in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienn G Varga
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sebastian N Maletz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jordan T Bateman
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Brandon T Reid
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Erica S Levitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Department of Physical Therapy, Center for Respiratory Research and Rehabilitation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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25
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Neuropeptide S attenuates methamphetamine-induced stereotyped behavior in rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:98-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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26
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Lee MT, Chiu YT, Chiu YC, Hor CC, Lee HJ, Guerrini R, Calo G, Chiou LC. Neuropeptide S-initiated sequential cascade mediated by OX 1, NK 1, mGlu 5 and CB 1 receptors: a pivotal role in stress-induced analgesia. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:7. [PMID: 31915019 PMCID: PMC6950992 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Stress-induced analgesia (SIA) is an evolutionarily conserved phenomenon during stress. Neuropeptide S (NPS), orexins, substance P, glutamate and endocannabinoids are known to be involved in stress and/or SIA, however their causal links remain unclear. Here, we reveal an unprecedented sequential cascade involving these mediators in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) using a restraint stress-induced SIA model. Methods Male C57BL/6 mice of 8–12 week-old were subjected to intra-cerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and/or intra-vlPAG (i.pag.) microinjection of NPS, orexin-A or substance P alone or in combination with selective antagonists of NPS receptors (NPSRs), OX1 receptors (OX1Rs), NK1 receptors (NK1Rs), mGlu5 receptors (mGlu5Rs) and CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), respectively. Antinociceptive effects of these mediators were evaluated via the hot-plate test. SIA in mice was induced by a 30-min restraint stress. NPS levels in the LH and substance P levels in vlPAG homogenates were compared in restrained and unrestrained mice. Results NPS (i.c.v., but not i.pag.) induced antinociception. This effect was prevented by i.c.v. blockade of NPSRs. Substance P (i.pag.) and orexin-A (i.pag.) also induced antinociception. Substance P (i.pag.)-induced antinociception was prevented by i.pag. Blockade of NK1Rs, mGlu5Rs or CB1Rs. Orexin-A (i.pag.)-induced antinociception has been shown previously to be prevented by i.pag. blockade of OX1Rs or CB1Rs, and here was prevented by NK1R or mGlu5R antagonist (i.pag.). NPS (i.c.v.)-induced antinociception was prevented by i.pag. blockade of OX1Rs, NK1Rs, mGlu5Rs or CB1Rs. SIA has been previously shown to be prevented by i.pag. blockade of OX1Rs or CB1Rs. Here, we found that SIA was also prevented by i.c.v. blockade of NPSRs or i.pag. blockade of NK1Rs or mGlu5Rs. Restrained mice had higher levels of NPS in the LH and substance P in the vlPAG than unrestrained mice. Conclusions These results suggest that, during stress, NPS is released and activates LH orexin neurons via NPSRs, releasing orexins in the vlPAG. Orexins then activate OX1Rs on substance P-containing neurons in the vlPAG to release substance P that subsequently. Activates NK1Rs on glutamatergic neurons to release glutamate. Glutamate then activates perisynaptic mGlu5Rs to initiate the endocannabinoid retrograde inhibition of GABAergic transmission in the vlPAG, leading to analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tatt Lee
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan.,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yu-Ting Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Chia Chun Hor
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Jung Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Laboratorio per le Tecnologie delle Terapie Avanzate (LTTA), Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences and National Institute of Neurosciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lih-Chu Chiou
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan. .,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10051, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan.
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27
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Blough B, Namjoshi O. Small Molecule Neuropeptide S and Melanocortin 4 Receptor Ligands as Potential Treatments for Substance Use Disorders. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 258:61-87. [PMID: 31628605 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is a vital need for novel approaches and biological targets for drug discovery and development. Treatment strategies for substance use disorders (SUDs) to date have been mostly ineffective other than substitution-like therapeutics. Two such targets are the peptide G-protein-coupled receptors neuropeptide S (NPS) and melanocortin 4 (MC4). Preclinical evidence suggests that antagonists, inverse agonists, or negative allosteric modulators of these receptors might be novel therapeutics for SUDs. NPS is a relatively unexplored receptor with high potential for treating SUD. MC4 has a strong link to early-onset obesity, and emerging evidence suggests significant overlap between food-maintained and drug-maintained behaviors making MC4 an intriguing target for SUD. This chapter provides an overview of the literature in relation to the roles of NPS and MC4 in drug-seeking behaviors and then provides a medicinal chemistry-based survey of the small molecule ligands for each receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Ojas Namjoshi
- Center for Drug Discovery, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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28
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Germer J, Kahl E, Fendt M. Memory generalization after one-trial contextual fear conditioning: Effects of sex and neuropeptide S receptor deficiency. Behav Brain Res 2018; 361:159-166. [PMID: 30597251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
One-trial contextual fear conditioning in laboratory mice results in a fear memory which is relatively specific to the original conditioning context shortly after conditioning but becomes more unspecific after an incubation time of one month. This process is called generalization of fear memory and is used to investigate processes which might be involved in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sex and neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) deficiency in one-trial contextual fear conditioning. In addition to contextual fear, we also measured startle reactivity, anxiety and corticosterone plasma levels of the mice. Our data show main effects of sex and NPSR-deficiency on freezing behavior, startle magnitude, and anxiety levels. However, generalization of contextual fear memory after incubation time was not affected by sex. Notably, NPSR-deficient mice had a more specific fear memory shortly after conditioning than their wildtype littermates but after incubation time, all genotypes had a generalized fear memory. The present data further show that plasma corticosterone levels are increased after incubation time. This increase was significantly more pronounced in NPSR-deficient mice. Taken together, our study confirms the suitability of one-trial contextual fear conditioning to study the effects of incubation time on fear memory generalization but also indicates the need for control groups without incubation. We further demonstrate that the increase of plasma corticosterone levels after incubation time is exaggerated in NPSR-deficient mice. The latter finding suggests an important role of the NPS system in the regulation of corticosterone release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Germer
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Evelyn Kahl
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Lin X, Liu J, Fu P, Zeng X, Qin J, Tang Z, Wu J. Associations Between Gene Polymorphisms and Psychological Stress in the Guangxi Minority Region of China. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:6680-6687. [PMID: 30242809 PMCID: PMC6166522 DOI: 10.12659/msm.910432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether there is an association between gene polymorphisms, genetic and environmental interactions, and psychological stress reactivity in Chinese subjects living in the Guangxi minority region. This cross-sectional study enrolled subjects older than 18 years, living in Nandan county, Guangxi minority region, China for at least 1 year. All participants were healthy, without any mental diseases, and were able to communicate. Eligible participants were randomly selected. The Life Event Scale Questionnaire, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Social Support Rating Scale were used to measure the physiological stress, coping style, and social support, respectively, in individuals. A total of 600 participants were recruited. A decreased risk of psychological stress was only found in TT of NPSR1 (rs324981): A allele carriers vs. TT genotype (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11, 2.42), and AT genotype vs. TT genotype (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.17, 2.65). The overall coping style was positively associated with psychological stress, and no significant interactions between genetics and environment were found. We found that the NPSR1 (rs324981) T/T genotype decreased the risk of psychological stress, while the overall coping style was a risk factor for psychological stress. However, there was no interactive effects of genes and environment on psychological stress. Our findings will improve understanding of the biological basis underlying psychological stress if the results can be replicated in further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujin Lin
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
- Mental Health Institute of The Second Xiangya Hospital and Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health of Hunan Province, The Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Peipei Fu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zeng
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Jian Qin
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Zhenghua Tang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
| | - Junduan Wu
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China
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30
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Grund T, Neumann ID. Brain neuropeptide S: via GPCR activation to a powerful neuromodulator of socio-emotional behaviors. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:123-132. [PMID: 30112573 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2902-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) has attracted the attention of the scientific community due to its potent anxiolytic-like and fear-attenuating effects studied in rodents. Therefore, NPS might represent a treatment option for neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety disorders, even more so as single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human NPS receptor gene have been associated with increased anxiety traits that contribute to the pathogenesis of fear- and anxiety-related disorders. However, the signaling mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of NPS and the interaction with other brain neuropeptides are still rather unknown. To illuminate how NPS modulates the expression of selected emotional and social behaviors, the present review focuses on neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies, as well as intracellular signaling mechanisms following NPS receptor stimulation in rodents. We will also discuss interactions of the NPS system with two well-described neuropeptides, namely corticotropin-releasing factor and oxytocin, which may contribute to the fear- and anxiety-reducing effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grund
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany.
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31
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Khan AM, Grant AH, Martinez A, Burns GAPC, Thatcher BS, Anekonda VT, Thompson BW, Roberts ZS, Moralejo DH, Blevins JE. Mapping Molecular Datasets Back to the Brain Regions They are Extracted from: Remembering the Native Countries of Hypothalamic Expatriates and Refugees. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2018; 21:101-193. [PMID: 30334222 PMCID: PMC6310046 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-94593-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This article focuses on approaches to link transcriptomic, proteomic, and peptidomic datasets mined from brain tissue to the original locations within the brain that they are derived from using digital atlas mapping techniques. We use, as an example, the transcriptomic, proteomic and peptidomic analyses conducted in the mammalian hypothalamus. Following a brief historical overview, we highlight studies that have mined biochemical and molecular information from the hypothalamus and then lay out a strategy for how these data can be linked spatially to the mapped locations in a canonical brain atlas where the data come from, thereby allowing researchers to integrate these data with other datasets across multiple scales. A key methodology that enables atlas-based mapping of extracted datasets-laser-capture microdissection-is discussed in detail, with a view of how this technology is a bridge between systems biology and systems neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad M Khan
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
| | - Alice H Grant
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Pathobiology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Anais Martinez
- UTEP Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Pathobiology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Gully A P C Burns
- Information Sciences Institute, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Brendan S Thatcher
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Vishwanath T Anekonda
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Benjamin W Thompson
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zachary S Roberts
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel H Moralejo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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32
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Ensho T, Nakahara K, Suzuki Y, Murakami N. Neuropeptide S increases motor activity and thermogenesis in the rat through sympathetic activation. Neuropeptides 2017; 65:21-27. [PMID: 28433253 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The central role of neuropeptide S (NPS), identified as the endogenous ligand for GPR154, now named neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR), has not yet been fully clarified. We examined the central role of NPS for body temperature, energy expenditure, locomotor activity and adrenal hormone secretion in rats. Intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of NPS increased body temperature in a dose-dependent manner. Energy consumption and locomotor activity were also significantly increased by icv injection of NPS. In addition, icv injection of NPS increased the peripheral blood concentration of adrenalin and corticosterone. Pretreatment with the β1- and β2-adrenergic receptor blocker timolol inhibited the NPS-induced increase of body temperature. The expression of both NPS mRNA in the brainstem and NPSR mRNA in the hypothalamus showed a nocturnal rhythm with a peak occurring during the first half of the dark period. To examine whether the endogenous NPS is involved in regulation of body temperature, NPSR antagonist SHA68 was administered one hour after darkness. SHA68 attenuated the nocturnal rise of body temperature. These results suggest that NPS contributes to the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ensho
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakahara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Suzuki
- Laboratory of Animal Health Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Noboru Murakami
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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33
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Liu X, Si W, Garau C, Jüngling K, Pape HC, Schulz S, Reinscheid RK. Neuropeptide S precursor knockout mice display memory and arousal deficits. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:1689-1700. [PMID: 28548278 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of neuropeptide S (NPS) signaling has been found to produce arousal, wakefulness, anxiolytic-like behaviors, and enhanced memory formation. In order to further study physiological functions of the NPS system, we generated NPS precursor knockout mice by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. NPS-/- mice were viable, fertile, and anatomically normal, when compared to their wild-type and heterozygous littermates. The total number of NPS neurons-although no longer synthesizing the peptide - was not affected by the knockout, as analyzed in NPS-/- /NPSEGFP double transgenic mice. Analysis of behavioral phenotypes revealed significant deficits in exploratory activity in NPS-/- mice. NPS precursor knockout mice displayed attenuated arousal in the hole board test, visible as reduced total nose pokes and number of holes inspected, that was not confounded by increased repetitive or stereotypic behavior. Importantly, long-term memory was significantly impaired in NPS-/- mice in the inhibitory avoidance paradigm. NPS precursor knockout mice displayed mildly increased anxiety-like behaviors in three different tests measuring responses to stress and novelty. Interestingly, heterozygous littermates often presented behavioral deficits similar to NPS-/- mice or displayed intermediate phenotype. These observations may suggest limited ligand availability in critical neural circuits. Overall, phenotypical changes in NPS-/- mice are similar to those observed in NPS receptor knockout mice and support earlier findings that suggest major functions of the NPS system in arousal, regulation of anxiety and stress, and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Wei Si
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Celia Garau
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kay Jüngling
- Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische-Wilhems-University, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische-Wilhems-University, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Stefan Schulz
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
| | - Rainer K Reinscheid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, Westfälische-Wilhems-University, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, D-48149, Münster, Germany.,Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Jena, Germany
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34
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Carrive P, Kuwaki T. Orexin and Central Modulation of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Function. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 33:157-196. [PMID: 27909989 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Orexin makes an important contribution to the regulation of cardiorespiratory function. When injected centrally under anesthesia, orexin increases blood pressure, heart rate, sympathetic nerve activity, and the amplitude and frequency of respiration. This is consistent with the location of orexin neurons in the hypothalamus and the distribution of orexin terminals at all levels of the central autonomic and respiratory network. These cardiorespiratory responses are components of arousal and are necessary to allow the expression of motivated behaviors. Thus, orexin contributes to the cardiorespiratory response to acute stressors, especially those of a psychogenic nature. Consequently, upregulation of orexin signaling, whether it is spontaneous or environmentally induced, can increase blood pressure and lead to hypertension, as is the case for the spontaneously hypertensive rat and the hypertensive BPH/2J Schlager mouse. Blockade of orexin receptors will reduce blood pressure in these animals, which could be a new pharmacological approach for the treatment of some forms of hypertension. Orexin can also magnify the respiratory reflex to hypercapnia in order to maintain respiratory homeostasis, and this may be in part why it is upregulated during obstructive sleep apnea. In this pathological condition, blockade of orexin receptors would make the apnea worse. To summarize, orexin is an important modulator of cardiorespiratory function. Acting on orexin signaling may help in the treatment of some cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Carrive
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Tomoyuki Kuwaki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical & Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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35
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Cannella N, Kallupi M, Li HW, Stopponi S, Cifani C, Ciccocioppo R, Ubaldi M. Neuropeptide S differently modulates alcohol-related behaviors in alcohol-preferring and non-preferring rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2915-24. [PMID: 27235017 PMCID: PMC4935615 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4333-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Neuropeptide S (NPS) displays unique pharmacological properties and induces both anxiolytic and pro-stress/arousal activities. Previous studies performed using Wistar rats demonstrated that NPS facilitated alcohol and cocaine seeking but did not affect alcohol or cocaine consumption. OBJECTIVES Here, we investigated the effects of NPS in Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats, a rat strain characterized by excessive alcohol consumption comorbid with heightened anxiety and depressive-like phenotypes. Specifically, we evaluated the effect of NPS on operant alcohol self-administration by msP rats compared to Wistar rats. The effect of NPS on cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in msP rats was also evaluated. Finally, using the open field test (OFT) and the elevated plus maze (EPM), we evaluated the effects of NPS on locomotor activity and anxiety. RESULTS NPS reduced alcohol self-administration but did not affect cue-induced reinstatement in the msP rat. In addition, NPS induced reinstatement of extinguished alcohol seeking in Wistar rats without affecting alcohol intake. In the EPM task, NPS, in accordance with its anxiolytic activity, increased the time spent in the open arm of the arena by msP rats, although this effect was not observed in Wistar rats. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the effect of NPS is strongly influenced by the genetic background of the animal. In Wistar rats, NPS acts as a pro-arousal agent to promote the reinstatement of alcohol seeking. However, when alcohol drinking is motivated by or associated with a state of pathological anxiety, NPS attenuates alcohol consumption and seeking due to its anxiolytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazzareno Cannella
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC) 62032, Italy
| | - Marsida Kallupi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC) 62032, Italy
| | - Hong Wu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC) 62032, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC) 62032, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino (MC) 62032, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Building of Experimental Medicine, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, Camerino, MC, 62032, Italy.
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36
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Jüngling K, Blaesse P, Goedecke L, Pape HC. Dynorphin-Dependent Reduction of Excitability and Attenuation of Inhibitory Afferents of NPS Neurons in the Pericoerulear Region of Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:61. [PMID: 27013974 PMCID: PMC4786570 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Neuropeptide S system, consisting of the 20-amino acid peptide neuropeptide S (NPS) and its G-protein coupled receptor (NPSR), modulates arousal, wakefulness, anxiety, and fear-extinction in mice. In addition, recent evidence indicates that the NPS system attenuates stress-dependent impairment of fear extinction, and that NPS-expressing neurons in close proximity to the locus coeruleus region (LC; pericoerulear, periLC) are activated by stress. Furthermore, periLC NPS neurons receive afferents from neurons of the centrolateral nucleus of the amygdala (CeL), of which a substantial population expresses the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) ligand precursor prodynorphin. This study aims to identify the effect of the dynorphinergic system on NPS neurons in the periLC via pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms. Using electrophysiological recordings in mouse brain slices, we provide evidence that NPS neurons in the periLC region are directly inhibited by dynorphin A (DynA) via activation of κ-opioid receptor 1 (KOR1) and a subsequent increase of potassium conductances. Thus, the dynorphinergic system is suited to inactivate NPS neurons in the periLC. In addition to this direct, somatic effect, DynA reduces the efficacy of GABAergic synapses on NPS neurons via KOR1 and KOR2. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence for the interaction of the NPS and the kappa opioid system in the periLC. Therefore, the endogenous opioid dynorphin is suited to inhibit NPS neurons with a subsequent decrease in NPS release in putative target regions leading to a variety of physiological consequences such as increased anxiety or vulnerability to stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Jüngling
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster Münster, Germany
| | - Peter Blaesse
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster Münster, Germany
| | - Lena Goedecke
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster Münster, Germany
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Jüngling K, Lange MD, Szkudlarek HJ, Lesting J, Erdmann FS, Doengi M, Kügler S, Pape HC. Increased GABAergic Efficacy of Central Amygdala Projections to Neuropeptide S Neurons in the Brainstem During Fear Memory Retrieval. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2753-63. [PMID: 25936641 PMCID: PMC4864651 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The canonical view on the central amygdala has evolved from a simple output station towards a highly organized microcircuitry, in which types of GABAergic neurons in centrolateral (CeL) and centromedial (CeM) subnuclei regulate fear expression and generalization. How these specific neuronal populations are connected to extra-amygdaloid target regions remains largely unknown. Here we show in mice that a subpopulation of GABAergic CeL and CeM neurons projects monosynaptically to brainstem neurons expressing neuropeptide S (NPS). The CeL neurons are PKCδ-negative and are activated during conditioned fear. During fear memory retrieval, the efficacy of this GABAergic influence on NPS neurons is enhanced. Moreover, a large proportion of these neurons (~50%) contain prodynorphin and somatostatin, two neuropeptides inhibiting NPS neurons. We conclude that CeL and CeM neurons inhibit NPS neurons in the brainstem by GABA release and that efficacy of this connection is strengthened upon fear memory retrieval. Thereby, this pathway provides a possible feedback mechanism between amygdala and brainstem routes involved in fear and stress coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay Jüngling
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany,Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, Münster D-48149, Germany. E-mail: or
| | - Maren D Lange
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hanna J Szkudlarek
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Lesting
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank S Erdmann
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Doengi
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Pape
- Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany,Institute of Physiology I, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 27a, Münster D-48149, Germany. E-mail: or
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Exploring the role of neuropeptide S in the regulation of arousal: a functional anatomical study. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3521-46. [PMID: 26462664 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a regulatory peptide expressed by limited number of neurons in the brainstem. The simultaneous anxiolytic and arousal-promoting effect of NPS suggests an involvement in mood control and vigilance, making the NPS-NPS receptor system an interesting potential drug target. Here we examined, in detail, the distribution of NPS-immunoreactive (IR) fiber arborizations in brain regions of rat known to be involved in the regulation of sleep and arousal. Such nerve terminals were frequently apposed to GABAergic/galaninergic neurons in the ventro-lateral preoptic area (VLPO) and to tyrosine hydroxylase-IR neurons in all hypothalamic/thalamic dopamine cell groups. Then we applied the single platform-on-water (mainly REM) sleep deprivation method to study the functional role of NPS in the regulation of arousal. Of the three pontine NPS cell clusters, the NPS transcript levels were increased only in the peri-coerulear group in sleep-deprived animals, but not in stress controls. The density of NPS-IR fibers was significantly decreased in the median preoptic nucleus-VLPO region after the sleep deprivation, while radioimmunoassay and mass spectrometry measurements showed a parallel increase of NPS in the anterior hypothalamus. The expression of the NPS receptor was, however, not altered in the VLPO-region. The present results suggest a selective activation of one of the three NPS-expressing neuron clusters as well as release of NPS in distinct forebrain regions after sleep deprivation. Taken together, our results emphasize a role of the peri-coerulear cluster in the modulation of arousal, and the importance of preoptic area for the action of NPS on arousal and sleep.
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Adori C, Barde S, Bogdanovic N, Uhlén M, Reinscheid RR, Kovacs GG, Hökfelt T. Neuropeptide S- and Neuropeptide S receptor-expressing neuron populations in the human pons. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:126. [PMID: 26441556 PMCID: PMC4585187 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a regulatory peptide with potent pharmacological effects. In rodents, NPS is expressed in a few pontine cell clusters. Its receptor (NPSR1) is, however, widely distributed in the brain. The anxiolytic and arousal-promoting effects of NPS make the NPS–NPSR1 system an interesting potential drug target in mood-related disorders. However, so far possible disease-related mechanisms involving NPS have only been studied in rodents. To validate the relevance of these animal studies for i.a. drug development, we have explored the distribution of NPS-expressing neurons in the human pons using in situ hybridization and stereological methods and we compared the distribution of NPS mRNA expressing neurons in the human and rat brain. The calculation revealed a total number of 22,317 ± 2411 NPS mRNA-positive neurons in human, bilaterally. The majority of cells (84%) were located in the parabrachial area in human: in the extension of the medial and lateral parabrachial nuclei, in the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus and around the adjacent lateral lemniscus. In human, in sharp contrast to the rodents, only very few NPS-positive cells (5%) were found close to the locus coeruleus. In addition, we identified a smaller cell cluster (11% of all NPS cells) in the pontine central gray matter both in human and rat, which has not been described previously even in rodents. We also examined the distribution of NPSR1 mRNA-expressing neurons in the human pons. These cells were mainly located in the rostral laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, the cuneiform nucleus, the microcellular tegmental nucleus region and in the periaqueductal gray. Our results show that both NPS and NPSR1 in the human pons are preferentially localized in regions of importance for integration of visceral autonomic information and emotional behavior. The reported interspecies differences must, however, be considered when looking for targets for new pharmacotherapeutical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Adori
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Swapnali Barde
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nenad Bogdanovic
- Geriatric Department, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Oslo, Norway
| | - Mathias Uhlén
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden ; Science for Life Laboratory, Albanova University Center, Royal Institute of Technology Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rainer R Reinscheid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA ; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gabor G Kovacs
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
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Neuroleptics Affect Neuropeptide S and NPSR mRNA Levels in the Rat Brain. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 57:352-7. [PMID: 26227793 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) has a multidirectional regulatory activity, especially when considered as a potent endogenous anxiolytic factor. Accumulating data suggests that neuroleptics affect peptidergic signaling in various brain structures. However, there is no information regarding the influence of treatment with antipsychotics on brain NPS expression. In the current study, we assessed the NPS and NPS receptor (NPSR) mRNA levels in the brains of rats shortly and chronically treated with chlorpromazine and olanzapine using quantitative real-time PCR. Both single-dose and long-term (4 months) olanzapine treatment led to the upregulation of NPS expression in the rat hypothalamus. It supports the hypothesis that NPS is involved in the dopamine-dependent anxiolytic actions of selected neuroleptics and possibly also in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. On the other hand, NPSR expression decreased after single-dose and chronic chlorpromazine administration in the hypothalamus, as well as after chronic olanzapine and chlorpromazine administration in the striatum and hippocampus. These results cast a new light on the pharmacology of antipsychotics and contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms responsible for their action. Furthermore, our findings underline the complex nature of potential interactions between dopamine receptors and brain peptidergic pathways, which has potential clinical applications.
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Intranasally applied neuropeptide S shifts a high-anxiety electrophysiological endophenotype in the ventral hippocampus towards a "normal"-anxiety one. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120272. [PMID: 25830625 PMCID: PMC4382147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological basis of pathological anxiety and the improvement of its pharmacological treatment are a matter of intensive investigation. Here, using electrophysiological techniques in brain slices from animals of the high anxiety-related behavior (HAB) and normal anxiety-related behavior (NAB) mouse model, we show that basal neurotransmission at ventral hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses is weaker in HAB compared to NAB mice. We further demonstrate that paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and long-term potentiation (LTP) at these synapses are more pronounced in slices from HAB animals. Based on previous findings, we also examined whether intranasal delivery of neuropeptide S (NPS), which increasingly emerges as a potential novel treatment option for anxiety symptoms occurring in a variety of diseases like anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and major depression, impacts on the high-anxiety electrophysiological endophenotype in HAB mice. Strikingly, we detected enhanced basal neurotransmission and reduced PPF and LTP in slices from NPS-treated HAB animals. Collectively, our study uncovers a multifaceted high-anxiety neurophysiological endophenotype in the murine ventral hippocampus and provides the first evidence that an intranasally applied neuropeptide can shift such an endophenotype in an anxiety-regulating brain structure towards a “normal”-anxiety one.
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Valsalan R, Manoj N. Evolutionary history of the neuropeptide S receptor/neuropeptide S system. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 209:11-20. [PMID: 24859256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily and is activated by the neuropeptide S (NPS). Although recently discovered, the vertebrate NPSR-NPS system has been established as an important signaling system in the central nervous system and is involved in physiological processes such as locomotor activity, wakefulness, asthma pathogenesis, anxiety and food intake. The availability of a large number of genome sequences from multiple bilaterian lineages has provided an opportunity to establish the evolutionary history of the system. This review describes the origin and the molecular evolution of the NPSR-NPS system using data derived primarily from comparative genomic analyses. These analyses indicate that the NPSR-NPS system and the vasopressin-like receptor-vasopressin/oxytocin peptide (VPR-VP/OT) system originated from a single system in an ancestral bilaterian. Multiple duplications of this ancestral system gave rise to the bilaterian VPR-VP/OT system and to the protostomian cardioacceleratory peptide receptor-cardioacceleratory peptide (CCAPR-CCAP) system and to the NPSR-NPS system in the deuterostomes. Gene structure features of the receptors were consistent with the orthology annotations derived from phylogenetic analyses. The orthology of the peptide precursors closely paralleled that of the receptors suggesting an ancient coevolution of the receptor-peptide pair. An important challenge for the coevolution hypothesis will be to establish the molecular and structural basis of the divergence between orthologous receptor-ligand pairs in this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravisankar Valsalan
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
| | - Narayanan Manoj
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai 600036, India.
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Ghazal P, Corsi M, Roth A, Faggioni F, Corti C, Merlo Pick E, Pucciarelli S, Ciccocioppo R, Ubaldi M. Paradoxical response to the sedative effects of diazepam and alcohol in C57BL/6J mice lacking the neuropeptide S receptor. Peptides 2014; 61:107-13. [PMID: 25240770 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide S (NPS) system is characterized by a unique pharmacology because it has anxiolytic-like effects and promotes arousal and wakefulness. To shed light on this peptidergic system, we tested the sedative effect of the central depressants diazepam and ethanol on the loss of righting reflex in mice lacking the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR), NPSR(-/-). Furthermore, we tested the effect of the intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of NPS on the sedative effect of diazepam and ethanol in NPSR(-/-) and their wild type counterpart NPSR(+/+). Finally, we evaluated the effect of the pro-arousal neuropeptides CRF and Hcrt-1/Ox-A in NPSR-deficient mice. Contrary to our expectations, the results showed that the NPSR(-/-) were less sensitive to the hypnotic effects of both diazepam and ethanol compared with their wild type littermates. ICV NPS was able to attenuate the sedative effect of both alcohol and diazepam in wild type mice, but not in the NPSR(-/-) line. The administration of CRF and Hcrt-1/Ox-A, two classic pro-arousal peptides, elicited the same effects in both NPSR(-/-) and wild type mice, ruling out the possibility that adaptive mechanisms occurring at the level of these two systems could have occurred during NPSR(-/-) development to compensate for the lack of NPSR receptors. Our findings demonstrated that the deletion of NPSR leads to minor changes in the arousal behavior of mice. Moreover, we demonstrated that the deletion of NPSR did not lead to compensatory changes in the vigilance-promoting effects of the CRF and Hcrt-1/Ox-A systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasha Ghazal
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Mauro Corsi
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Adelheid Roth
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Federico Faggioni
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Corrado Corti
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Emilio Merlo Pick
- Neurosciences Centre of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, 37135 Verona, Italy
| | - Sandra Pucciarelli
- School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, 62032 Camerino, MC, Italy.
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A single-nucleotide polymorphism of human neuropeptide s gene originated from Europe shows decreased bioactivity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83009. [PMID: 24386135 PMCID: PMC3873911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Using accumulating SNP (Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism) data, we performed a genome-wide search for polypeptide hormone ligands showing changes in the mature regions to elucidate genotype/phenotype diversity among various human populations. Neuropeptide S (NPS), a brain peptide hormone highly conserved in vertebrates, has diverse physiological effects on anxiety, fear, hyperactivity, food intake, and sleeping time through its cognate receptor-NPSR. Here, we report a SNP rs4751440 (L6-NPS) causing non-synonymous substitution on the 6th position (V to L) of the NPS mature peptide region. L6-NPS has a higher allele frequency in Europeans than other populations and probably originated from European ancestors ∼25,000 yrs ago based on haplotype analysis and Approximate Bayesian Computation. Functional analyses indicate that L6-NPS exhibits a significant lower bioactivity than the wild type NPS, with ∼20-fold higher EC50 values in the stimulation of NPSR. Additional evolutionary and mutagenesis studies further demonstrate the importance of the valine residue in the 6th position for NPS functions. Given the known physiological roles of NPS receptor in inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma pathogenesis, macrophage immune responses, and brain functions, our study provides the basis to elucidate NPS evolution and signaling diversity among human populations.
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Kormos V, Gaszner B. Role of neuropeptides in anxiety, stress, and depression: from animals to humans. Neuropeptides 2013; 47:401-19. [PMID: 24210138 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depression, with its strikingly high prevalence, is the most common cause of disability in communities of Western type, according to data of the World Health Organization. Stress-related mood disorders, besides their deleterious effects on the patient itself, also challenge the healthcare systems with their great social and economic impact. Our knowledge on the neurobiology of these conditions is less than sufficient as exemplified by the high proportion of patients who do not respond to currently available medications targeting monoaminergic systems. The search for new therapeutical strategies became therefore a "hot topic" in neuroscience, and there is a large body of evidence suggesting that brain neuropeptides not only participate is stress physiology, but they may also have clinical relevance. Based on data obtained in animal studies, neuropeptides and their receptors might be targeted by new candidate neuropharmacons with the hope that they will become important and effective tools in the management of stress related mood disorders. In this review, we attempt to summarize the latest evidence obtained using animal models for mood disorders, genetically modified rodent models for anxiety and depression, and we will pay some attention to previously published clinical data on corticotropin releasing factor, urocortin 1, urocortin 2, urocortin 3, arginine-vasopressin, neuropeptide Y, pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide, neuropeptide S, oxytocin, substance P and galanin fields of stress research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, Ifjúság útja 20, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pécs, Szigeti u. 12, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
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Ghazal P, Ciccocioppo R, Ubaldi M. Morphine dependence is associated with changes in neuropeptide S receptor expression and function in rat brain. Peptides 2013; 46:6-12. [PMID: 23684726 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a newly identified ligand for the previously discovered G-protein coupled receptor 154 now named NPSR. Recently, it has been found that NPSR gene expression is altered during ethanol withdrawal. In this study we tried to elucidate if NPSR gene expression is modified in response to morphine withdrawal and its protracted abstinence. To induce opioid dependence Wistar rats were treated for 7 days with morphine. Twelve hours and 7 days after the last morphine administration brains were removed and the expression of NPSR mRNA was analyzed by in situ hybridization (ISH). Successful induction of opioid dependence was confirmed by the naloxone-precipitated withdrawal test 2 h after the last morphine administration. Moreover, 7 days after the last morphine dose animals were checked for signs of anxiety and for intracerebroventricular (ICV) NPS (0.3 and 1.0 nmol) induced anxiolytic effects by elevated plus maze (EPM). Results showed that in morphine treated rats strong somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal occurred. ISH data revealed changes in NPSR gene expression in the ventral tegmental area as well as in the basolateral amygdaloid and bed nucleus of stria terminalis at 12 h and 7 days into abstinence, respectively. At 7 days into abstinence post dependent animals showed higher levels of anxiety than controls which were significantly attenuated by NPS. These results demonstrated that morphine dependence induction led to (i) changes in NPSR mRNA expression; (ii) increased anxiety; and (iii) more potent anxiolytic-like effect of NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasha Ghazal
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy
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47
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Ubaldi M, Bifone A, Ciccocioppo R. Translational approach to develop novel medications on alcohol addiction: focus on neuropeptides. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 23:684-91. [PMID: 23648086 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Research on alcohol and drug dependence has shown that the development of addiction depends on a complex interplay of psychological factors, genetic or epigenetic predisposing factors, and neurobiological adaptations induced by drug consumption. A greater understanding of the mechanisms leading to alcohol abuse will allow researchers to identify genetic variation that corresponds to a specific biological vulnerability to addiction, thus defining robust endophenotypes that might help deconstruct these complex syndromes into more tractable components. To this end, it is critical to develop a translational framework that links alterations at the molecular level, to changes in neuronal function, and ultimately to changes at the behavioral and clinical levels. Translational phenotypes can be identified by the combination of animal and human studies designed to elucidate the neurofunctional, anatomical and pharmacological mechanisms underlying the etiology of alcohol addiction. The present article offers an overview of medication development in alcoholism with a focus on the critical aspect of translational research. Moreover, significant examples of promising targets from neuropeptidergic systems, namely nociceptin/orphanin FQ and neuropeptide S are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Ubaldi
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
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48
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Kumsta R, Chen FS, Pape HC, Heinrichs M. Neuropeptide S receptor gene is associated with cortisol responses to social stress in humans. Biol Psychol 2013; 93:304-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2013.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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49
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Cui H, Sohn JW, Gautron L, Funahashi H, Williams KW, Elmquist JK, Lutter M. Neuroanatomy of melanocortin-4 receptor pathway in the lateral hypothalamic area. J Comp Neurol 2013; 520:4168-83. [PMID: 22605619 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The central melanocortin system regulates body energy homeostasis including the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R). The lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) receives dense melanocortinergic inputs from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and regulates multiple processes including food intake, reward behaviors, and autonomic function. By using a mouse line in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) is expressed under control of the MC4R gene promoter, we systemically investigated MC4R signaling in the LHA by combining double immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, and retrograde tracing techniques. We found that LHA MC4R-GFP neurons coexpress neurotensin as well as the leptin receptor but do not coexpress other peptide neurotransmitters found in the LHA including orexin, melanin-concentrating hormone, and nesfatin-1. Furthermore, electrophysiological recording demonstrated that leptin, but not the MC4R agonist melanotan II, hyperpolarizes the majority of LHA MC4R-GFP neurons in an ATP- sensitive potassium channel-dependent manner. Retrograde tracing revealed that LHA MC4R-GFP neurons do not project to the ventral tegmental area, dorsal raphe nucleus, nucleus accumbens, and spinal cord, and only limited number of neurons project to the nucleus of the solitary tract and parabrachial nucleus. Our findings provide new insights into MC4R signaling in the LHA and its potential implications in homeostatic regulation of body energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huxing Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9127, USA
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Hypothalamic neuropeptide S receptor blockade decreases discriminative cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking in the rat. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 226:347-55. [PMID: 23149909 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2910-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies have shown that activation of brain neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) facilitates reinstatement of cocaine seeking elicited by environmental cues predictive of drug availability. This finding suggests the possibility that blockade of NPSR receptors may be of therapeutic benefit in cocaine addiction. To evaluate this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of two newly synthetized NPSR antagonists, namely the quinolinone-amide derivative NPSR-QA1 and the NPS peptidic analogue [D-Cys(tBu)⁵]NPS on cocaine self-administration and on discriminative cue-induced relapse to cocaine seeking in the rat. METHODS Separate groups of rats self-administered food and cocaine 0.25 mg/kg/inf in FR1 and FR5 (fixed ratio reinforcement schedules) for 30-min and 2-h sessions per day. After food and cocaine intake reached baseline levels, the effect of NPSR-QA1 was tested on cocaine and food self-administration. The NPSR-QA1 was injected intraperitoneally and its effect on discriminative cue-induced reinstatement was evaluated, while [D-Cys(tBut)⁵]NPS was injected intracranially, intra-lateral hypothalamus, intra-perifornical area of the hypothalamus, and intra-central amygdala. The effect of the NPSR-QA1 on extinction of cocaine seeking was also assessed. RESULTS Intraperitoneal administration of NPSR-QA1 (15-30 mg/kg) did not affect cocaine self-administration. Conversely, NPSR-QA1 (15-30 mg/kg) decreased discriminative cue-induced cocaine relapse. At the lowest dose, this effect was specific, while at the highest dose, NPSR-QA1 also reduced food self-administration. The efficacy of NPSR antagonism on cocaine seeking was confirmed with [D-Cys(tBu)⁵]NPS (10-30 nmol/rat) as it markedly inhibited relapse behavior following site-specific injection into the lateral hypothalamus and the perifornical area of the hypothalamus but not into the central amygdala. CONCLUSIONS The identification of the NPS/NPSR system as an important new element involved in the physiopathology of cocaine addiction and the discovery of the anti-addictive properties of NPSR antagonists opens the possibility of exploring a new mechanism for cocaine addiction treatment.
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