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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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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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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Identification of a Novel Neuropeptide S Receptor Antagonist Scaffold Based on the SHA-68 Core. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14101024. [PMID: 34681248 PMCID: PMC8538004 DOI: 10.3390/ph14101024] [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: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) system has been shown to produce anxiolytic-like actions, arousal, and enhance memory consolidation, whereas blockade of the NPSR has been shown to reduce relapse to substances of abuse and duration of anesthetics. We report here the discovery of a novel core scaffold (+) N-benzyl-3-(2-methylpropyl)-1-oxo-3-phenyl-1H,3H,4H,5H,6H,7H-furo[3,4-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide with potent NPSR antagonist activity in vitro. Pharmacokinetic parameters demonstrate that 14b reaches pharmacologically relevant levels in plasma and the brain following intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration, but is cleared rapidly from plasma. Compound 14b was able to block NPS (0.3 nmol)-stimulated locomotor activity in C57/Bl6 mice at 3 mg/kg (i.p.), indicating potent in vivo activity for the structural class. This suggests that 14b can serve as a useful tool for continued mapping of the pharmacological functions of the NPS receptor system.
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de Santana Souza L, de Siqueira PA, Fernandes A, Silva Martins R, Cussa Kubrusly RC, Paes-de-Carvalho R, Cunha RA, Dos Santos-Rodrigues A, Pandolfo P. Role of Neuropeptide S on Behavioural and Neurochemical Changes of an Animal Model of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Neuroscience 2020; 448:140-148. [PMID: 32976984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a recently discovered peptide signalling through its receptor NPSR, which is expressed throughout the brain. Since NPSR activation increases dopaminergic transmission, we now tested if NPSR modulates behavioural and neurochemical alterations displayed by an animal model of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHR), compared to its control strain, Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). NPS (0.1 and 1 nmol, intracerebroventricularly (icv)) did not modify the performance in the open field test in both strains; however, NPSR antagonism with [tBu-d-Gly5]NPS (3 nmol, icv) increased, per se, the total distance travelled by WKY. In the elevated plus-maze, NPS (1 nmol, icv) increased the percentage of entries in the open arms (%EO) only in WKY, an effect prevented by pretreatment with [tBu-d-Gly5]NPS (3 nmol, icv), which decreased per se the %EO in WKY and increased their number of entries in the closed arms. Immunoblotting of frontal cortical extracts showed no differences of NPSR density, although SHR had a lower NPS content than WKY. SHR showed higher activity of dopamine uptake than WKY, and NPS (1 nmol, icv) did not change this profile. Overall, the present work shows that the pattern of functioning of the NPS system is distinct in WKY and SHR, suggesting that this system may contribute to the pathophysiology of ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arlete Fernandes
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Robertta Silva Martins
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | | | | | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Pablo Pandolfo
- Department of Neurobiology, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
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Zhao P, Qian X, Nie Y, Sun N, Wang Z, Wu J, Wei C, Ma R, Wang Z, Chai G, Li Y. Neuropeptide S Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment of APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice by Promoting Synaptic Plasticity and Reducing Aβ Deposition. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:138. [PMID: 31293402 PMCID: PMC6603143 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating disease in the elderly with no known effective treatment. It is characterized by progressive deterioration of memory and cognition. Many new potential targets are being investigated to develop effective therapeutic strategies for AD. Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an endogenous peptide in the central nervous system, which has been shown to play a beneficial role in learning and memory. However, whether NPS can ameliorate cognitive deficits in AD remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of NPS treatment on the cognitive behaviors and pathological hallmarks in 8-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) AD mice. We found that the APP/PS1 mice exhibited lower levels of NPS receptors (NPSRs) in the hippocampal area, and NPS administration increased c-Fos expression in the hippocampus and cortex, which suggests the NPS/NPSR system may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. After an intracerebroventricular injection of NPS (1 nmol) for 2 weeks, we found NPS treatment ameliorated spatial memory deficits and promoted dendrite ramification and spine generation in hippocampal CA1 neurons, which was accompanied by the upregulation of postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synapsin1. We also demonstrated that the injection of NPS decreased Aβ plaque deposits by decreasing the γ-secretase activity and the phosphorylation of APP at Thr668. Furthermore, application of NPS reversed the deficits in hippocampal late-phase long-term potentiation (LTP). These findings suggest NPS attenuated cognitive deficits by reducing pathological features in APP/PS1 mice, and NPS might be a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhao
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaohang Qian
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yunjuan Nie
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Na Sun
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | | | - Jiajun Wu
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Chen Wei
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ruikun Ma
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Gaoshang Chai
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Zhang ZR, Tao YX. Physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of neuropeptide S receptor. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 161:125-148. [PMID: 30711025 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1), originally named G protein-coupled receptor 154 (GPR154), was deorphanized in 2002 with neuropeptide S identified as the endogenous ligand. NPSR1 is primarily expressed in bronchus, brain as well as immune cells. It regulates multiple physiological processes, including immunoregulation, locomotor activity, anxiety, arousal, learning and memory, and food intake and energy balance. SNPs of NPSR1 are significantly associated with several diseases, including asthma, anxiolytic and arousal disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis. This chapter will summarize studies on NPSR1, including its molecular structure, tissue distribution, physiology, pharmacology, and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Rui Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States; Center for Neuroscience Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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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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Ruzza C, Ferrari F, Guerrini R, Marzola E, Preti D, Reinscheid RK, Calo G. Pharmacological profile of the neuropeptide S receptor: Dynamic mass redistribution studies. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2018; 6:e00445. [PMID: 30534379 PMCID: PMC6277375 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is the endogenous ligand of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR). NPS modulates several biological functions including anxiety, wakefulness, pain, and drug abuse. The aim of this study was the investigation of the pharmacological profile of NPSR using the dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay. DMR is a label-free assay that offers a holistic view of cellular responses after receptor activation. HEK293 cells stably transfected with the murine NPSR (HEK293mNPSR) have been used. To investigate the nature of the NPS-evoked DMR signaling, FR900359 (Gq inhibitor), pertussis toxin (Gi inhibitor), and rolipram (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) were used. To determine the pharmacology of NPSR, several selective ligands (agonists, partial agonists, antagonists) have been tested. NPS, through selective NPSR activation, evoked a robust DMR signal with potency in the nanomolar range. This signal was predominantly, but not completely, blocked by FR900359, suggesting the involvement of the Gq-dependent signaling cascade. NPSR ligands (agonists and antagonists) displayed potency values in DMR experiments similar, but not identical, to those reported in the literature. Furthermore, partial agonists produced a higher efficacy in DMR than in calcium experiments. DMR can be successfully used to study the pharmacology and signaling properties of novel NPSR ligands. This innovative approach will likely increase the translational value of in vitro pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical SciencesSection of PharmacologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Medical SciencesSection of PharmacologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTAUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTAUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTAUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
| | - Rainer K. Reinscheid
- Institute of Pharmacology and ToxicologyJena University HospitalFriedrich Schiller University JenaJenaGermany
- Institute of Physiology IUniversity Hospital MünsterUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical SciencesSection of PharmacologyNational Institute of NeuroscienceUniversity of FerraraFerraraItaly
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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: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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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Grund T, Neumann ID. Neuropeptide S Induces Acute Anxiolysis by Phospholipase C-Dependent Signaling within the Medial Amygdala. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1156-1163. [PMID: 28805209 PMCID: PMC5854792 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2017.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an important anxiolytic substance of the brain. However, the signaling pathways downstream of NPS receptor (NPSR) activation, underlying the behavioral effect of NPS, remain largely unknown. Here, we show that bilateral microinfusion of NPS (0.2 nmol/0.5 μl) into the medial amygdala (MeA) of male adult Wistar rats reduced anxiety-related behavior on both the elevated plus-maze and the open field. Moreover, as shown in amygdala tissue micropunches intracerebroventricular infusion of NPS (1 nmol/5 μl) (1) evoked phosphorylation and synthesis of CaMKIIα in relation to reference protein β-tubulin representing Ca2+ influx, and (2) induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK1/2. The NPS-induced anxiolysis was prevented by local inhibition of phospholipase C signaling using U73122 (0.5 nmol/0.5 μl) in the MeA, indicating the behavioral relevance of this pathway. Conversely, local pharmacological blockade of adenylyl cyclase signaling using 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (12.5 nmol/0.5 μl) failed to inhibit the anxiolytic effect of NPS infused into the MeA. Hence, NPS promotes acute anxiolysis within the MeA dependent on NPSR-mediated phospholipase C signaling. Taken together, our study extends the knowledge about the intracellular signaling mechanisms underlying the potent anxiolytic profile of NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grund
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany, Tel: +49 941 943 3053, Fax: +49 941 943 3052, E-mail:
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Grund T, Goyon S, Li Y, Eliava M, Liu H, Charlet A, Grinevich V, Neumann ID. Neuropeptide S Activates Paraventricular Oxytocin Neurons to Induce Anxiolysis. J Neurosci 2017; 37:12214-12225. [PMID: 29118105 PMCID: PMC6596824 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2161-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide S (NPS) and oxytocin (OXT), represent potential options for the treatment of anxiety disorders due to their potent anxiolytic profile. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying the behavioral action of NPS, and present a chain of evidence that the effects of NPS within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are mediated via actions on local OXT neurons in male Wistar rats. First, retrograde studies identified NPS fibers originating in the brainstem locus coeruleus, and projecting to the PVN. FACS identified prominent NPS receptor expression in PVN-OXT neurons. Using genetically encoded calcium indicators, we further demonstrated that NPS reliably induces a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a subpopulation of OXT neurons, an effect mediated by NPS receptor. In addition, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) NPS evoked a significant somatodendritic release of OXT within the PVN as assessed by microdialysis in combination with a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay. Finally, we could show that the anxiolytic effect of NPS seen after i.c.v. or intra-PVN infusion requires responsive OXT neurons of the PVN and locally released OXT. Thus, pharmacological blockade of OXT receptors as well as chemogenetic silencing of OXT neurons within the PVN prevented the effect of synthetic NPS. In conclusion, our results indicate a significant role of the OXT system in mediating the effects of NPS on anxiety, and fill an important gap in our understanding of brain neuropeptide interactions in the context of regulation of emotional behavior within the hypothalamus.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Given the rising scientific interest in neuropeptide research in the context of emotional and stress-related behaviors, our findings demonstrate a novel intrahypothalamic mechanism involving paraventricular oxytocin neurons that express the neuropeptide S receptor. These neurons respond with transient Ca2+ increase and somatodendritic oxytocin release following neuropeptide S stimulation. Thereby, oxytocin neurons seem essential for neuropeptide S-induced anxiolysis, as this effect was blocked by pharmacological and chemogenetic inhibition of the oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grund
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Goyon
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yuting Li
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Marina Eliava
- Division of Neuropeptides (V078), German Cancer Research Center, Central Institute of Mental Health, CellNetwork Cluster of Excellence, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, and
| | - Haikun Liu
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Institute for Advanced Study, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Division of Neuropeptides (V078), German Cancer Research Center, Central Institute of Mental Health, CellNetwork Cluster of Excellence, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, and
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany,
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