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Song C, Zhu ZC, Liu CC, Yun WX, Wang ZY, Lu GY, Song R, Wu N, Li J, Li F. Neuropeptide S Receptor 1 variant (I107N) regulates behavioral characteristics and NPS effect in mice in a sex-dependent manner. Neuropharmacology 2024; 242:109771. [PMID: 37858885 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109771] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Accumulated data demonstrate that the A/T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs324981 in the human neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) gene, resulting in an amino acid change from asparagine (N) to isoleucine (I) at position 107, is associated with susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. Neuropeptide S (NPS) has also been implicated in modulating these disorders in rodent experiments. However, the effect of this SNP on NPSR1 activity remains unclear. To elucidate the pathophysiological and pharmacological implications of this SNP, we generated a mouse model carrying the human-specific AA variant in NPSR1. This model exhibited sex-specific behavioral differences mirroring human observations, including fear response, anxiety, and depression. Notably, intracerebroventricular administration of NPS (1 nmol) significantly promoted locomotor activity and alleviated looming-stimulated fear and anxiety-like behaviors in NPSR TT mice, but not in NPSR AA mice. NPS also reduced depression-like behavior in a sex and genotype-dependent manner in the forced swim test. Our study in NPSR variant mice enhances our understanding of phenotypic and pharmacological differences due to the NPSR1 SNP, providing an animal model for further investigation of physiological processes in humans carrying this SNP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Song
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Chen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan-Chuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Department of Pharmacology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Xin Yun
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan-Yi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Song
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Ruzza C, Argentieri M, Ferrari F, Armani E, Trevisani M, Marchini G, Calo’ G. In vitro pharmacological characterization of standard and new lysophosphatidic acid receptor antagonists using dynamic mass redistribution assay. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1267414. [PMID: 38035009 PMCID: PMC10682101 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1267414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid that acts as an agonist of six G protein-coupled receptors named LPA receptors (LPA1-6). LPA elicits diverse intracellular events and modulates several biological functions, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Overactivation of the LPA-LPA receptor system is reported to be involved in several pathologies, including cancer, neuropathic pain, fibrotic diseases, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Thus, LPA receptor modulators may be clinically relevant in numerous diseases, making the identification and pharmacodynamic characterization of new LPA receptor ligands of strong interest. In the present work, label-free dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) assay has been used to evaluate the pharmacological activity of some LPA1 and LPA2 standard antagonists at the recombinant human LPA1 and LPA2 receptors. These results are compared to those obtained in parallel experiments with the calcium mobilization assay. Additionally, the same experimental protocol has been used for the pharmacological characterization of the new compound CHI. KI 16425, RO 6842262, and BMS-986020 behaved as LPA1 inverse agonists in DMR experiments and as LPA1 antagonists in calcium mobilization assays. Amgen compound 35 behaved as an LPA2 antagonist, while Merck compound 20 from WO2012028243 was detected as an LPA2 inverse agonist using the DMR test. Of note, for all the compounds, similar potency values were estimated by DMR and calcium assay. The new compound CHI was found to be an LPA1 inverse agonist, but with potency lower than that of the standard compounds. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that DMR assay can be successfully used to characterize LPA1 and LPA2 ligands. Compared to the classical calcium mobilization assay, DMR offers some advantages, in particular allowing the identification of inverse agonists. Finally, in the frame of this study, a new LPA1 inverse agonist has been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M. Argentieri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F. Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - E. Armani
- Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - G. Calo’
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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3
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Exploring the role of neuropeptides in depression and anxiety. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 114:110478. [PMID: 34801611 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent forms of mental disorders and is the most common cause of disability in the Western world. Besides, the harmful effects of stress-related mood disorders on the patients themselves, they challenge the health care system with enormous social and economic impacts. Due to the high proportion of patients not responding to existing drugs, finding new treatment strategies has become an important topic in neurobiology, and there is much evidence that neuropeptides are not only involved in the physiology of stress but may also be clinically important. Based on preclinical trial data, new neuropharmaceutical candidates may target neuropeptides and their receptors and are expected to be essential and valuable tools in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. In the current article, we have summarized data obtained from animal models of depressive disorder and transgenic mouse models. We also focus on previously published research data of clinical studies on corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), galanin (GAL), neuropeptide Y (NPY), neuropeptide S (NPS), Oxytocin (OXT), vasopressin (VP), cholecystokinin (CCK), and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) stress research fields.
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4
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Holanda VAD, Didonet JJ, Costa MBB, do Nascimento Rangel AH, da Silva ED, Gavioli EC. Neuropeptide S Receptor as an Innovative Therapeutic Target for Parkinson Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080775. [PMID: 34451872 PMCID: PMC8401573 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease mainly characterized by the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Patients suffering from PD develop severe motor dysfunctions and a myriad of non-motor symptoms. The treatment mainly consists of increasing central dopaminergic neurotransmission and alleviating motor symptoms, thus promoting severe side effects without modifying the disease’s progress. A growing body of evidence suggests a close relationship between neuropeptide S (NPS) and its receptor (NPSR) system in PD: (i) double immunofluorescence labeling studies showed that NPSR is expressed in the nigral tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons; (ii) central administration of NPS increases spontaneous locomotion in naïve rodents; (iii) central administration of NPS ameliorates motor and nonmotor dysfunctions in animal models of PD; (iv) microdialysis studies showed that NPS stimulates dopamine release in naïve and parkinsonian rodents; (v) central injection of NPS decreases oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in the rodent brain; and, (vi) 7 days of central administration of NPS protects from the progressive loss of nigral TH-positive cells in parkinsonian rats. Taken together, the NPS/NPSR system seems to be an emerging therapeutic strategy for alleviating motor and non-motor dysfunctions of PD and, possibly, for slowing disease progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor A. D. Holanda
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil; (V.A.D.H.); (J.J.D.); (M.B.B.C.); (E.D.d.S.J.)
| | - Julia J. Didonet
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil; (V.A.D.H.); (J.J.D.); (M.B.B.C.); (E.D.d.S.J.)
| | - Manara B. B. Costa
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil; (V.A.D.H.); (J.J.D.); (M.B.B.C.); (E.D.d.S.J.)
| | | | - Edilson D. da Silva
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil; (V.A.D.H.); (J.J.D.); (M.B.B.C.); (E.D.d.S.J.)
| | - Elaine C. Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN 59078-900, Brazil; (V.A.D.H.); (J.J.D.); (M.B.B.C.); (E.D.d.S.J.)
- Correspondence:
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5
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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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6
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Albanese V, Ruzza C, Marzola E, Bernardi T, Fabbri M, Fantinati A, Trapella C, Reinscheid RK, Ferrari F, Sturaro C, Calò G, Amendola G, Cosconati S, Pacifico S, Guerrini R, Preti D. Structure-Activity Relationship Studies on Oxazolo[3,4- a]pyrazine Derivatives Leading to the Discovery of a Novel Neuropeptide S Receptor Antagonist with Potent In Vivo Activity. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4089-4108. [PMID: 33733768 PMCID: PMC8041306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S modulates important neurobiological functions including locomotion, anxiety, and drug abuse through interaction with its G protein-coupled receptor known as neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR). NPSR antagonists are potentially useful for the treatment of substance abuse disorders against which there is an urgent need for new effective therapeutic approaches. Potent NPSR antagonists in vitro have been discovered which, however, require further optimization of their in vivo pharmacological profile. This work describes a new series of NPSR antagonists of the oxazolo[3,4-a]pyrazine class. The guanidine derivative 16 exhibited nanomolar activity in vitro and 5-fold improved potency in vivo compared to SHA-68, a reference pharmacological tool in this field. Compound 16 can be considered a new tool for research studies on the translational potential of the NPSergic system. An in-depth molecular modeling investigation was also performed to gain new insights into the observed structure-activity relationships and provide an updated model of ligand/NPSR interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Albanese
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Erika Marzola
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tatiana Bernardi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Martina Fabbri
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rainer K Reinscheid
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University, 07747 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physiology I, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Federica Ferrari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Sturaro
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Section of Pharmacology, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Girolamo Calò
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti, 2, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Amendola
- "DiSTABiF", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sandro Cosconati
- "DiSTABiF", Università della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Laboratory for Advanced Therapies, Technopole of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Delia Preti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Abstract
Stress system dysfunction is a typical characteristic of acute depression and other mood disorders. The exact pattern of factors predisposing for stress-related mental disorders is yet to be unraveled. However, corticosteroid receptor function plays an important role for appropriate or dysfunctional neuroendocrine responses to stress exposure and hence in resilience or risk for the development and course of both, depression and anxiety disorders. Solid neuroscience data strongly support that both neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (AVP), are central in coordinating humoral and behavioral adaptation to stress. Other neuropeptides, including oxytocin, neuropeptide S, neuropeptide Y, and orexin, are also considered important contributors. Attempts to turn neuropeptide biology into treatments for stress-related disorders need to consider that neuropeptide receptors are specific drug targets for certain patient populations rather than universal targets for all patients, like biogenic amine systems. That is why most negative clinical trials testing neuropeptide receptor antagonists have been in fact failed trials by design, because no companion tests were used to identify which patients with depression are most likely to benefit from a specific neuropeptide receptor-targeting drug treatment. Therefore, the most important future research task is discovery and development of appropriate companion tests that will allow the successful transfer of the precious treasure of neuropeptide system-targeting drugs into clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Ising
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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8
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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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9
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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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10
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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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11
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Abstract
The amygdala is a limbic brain region that plays a key role in emotional processing, neuropsychiatric disorders, and the emotional-affective dimension of pain. Preclinical and clinical studies have identified amygdala hyperactivity as well as impairment of cortical control mechanisms in pain states. Hyperactivity of basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons generates enhanced feedforward inhibition and deactivation of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), resulting in pain-related cognitive deficits. The mPFC sends excitatory projections to GABAergic neurons in the intercalated cell mass (ITC) in the amygdala, which project to the laterocapsular division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeLC; output nucleus) and serve gating functions for amygdala output. Impairment of these cortical control mechanisms allows the development of amygdala pain plasticity. Mechanisms of abnormal amygdala activity in pain with particular focus on loss of cortical control mechanisms as well as new strategies to correct pain-related amygdala dysfunction will be discussed in the present review.
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12
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Zoicas I, Menon R, Neumann ID. Neuropeptide S reduces fear and avoidance of con-specifics induced by social fear conditioning and social defeat, respectively. Neuropharmacology 2016; 108:284-91. [PMID: 27044664 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) has anxiolytic effects and facilitates extinction of cued fear in rodents. Here, we investigated whether NPS reverses social fear and social avoidance induced by social fear conditioning (SFC) and acute social defeat (SD), respectively, in male CD1 mice. Our results revealed that intracerebroventricular NPS (icv; 10 and 50 nmol/2 μl) reversed fear of unknown con-specifics induced by SFC and dose-dependently reduced avoidance of known aggressive con-specifics induced by SD. While 50 nmol of NPS completely reversed social avoidance and reinstated social preference, 10 nmol of NPS reduced social avoidance, but did not completely reinstate social preference in socially-defeated mice. Further, a lower dose (1 nmol/2 μl) of NPS facilitated the within-session extinction of cued fear, while a higher dose (10 nmol/2 μl) reduced the expression of cued fear. We could also confirm the anxiolytic effects of NPS (1, 10 and 50 nmol/2 μl) on the elevated plus-maze (EPM), which were not accompanied by alterations in locomotor activity either on the EPM or in the home cage. Finally, we could show that icv infusion of the NPS receptor 1 antagonist D-Cys((t)Bu)(5)-NPS (10 nmol/2 μl) did not alter SFC-induced social fear, general anxiety and locomotor activity. Taken together, our study extends the potent anxiolytic profile of NPS to a social context by demonstrating the reduction of social fear and social avoidance, thus providing the framework for studies investigating the involvement of the NPS system in the regulation of different types of social behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Zoicas
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Rohit Menon
- 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.
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13
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Neuropeptide S ameliorates olfactory spatial memory impairment induced by scopolamine and MK801 through activation of cognate receptor-expressing neurons in the subiculum complex. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3327-36. [PMID: 26323488 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies have demonstrated that neuropeptide S (NPS), via selective activation of the neurons bearing NPS receptor (NPSR) in the olfactory cortex, facilitates olfactory function. High level expression of NPSR mRNA in the subiculum complex of hippocampal formation suggests that NPS-NPSR system might be involved in the regulation of olfactory spatial memory. The present study was undertaken to investigate effects of NPS on the scopolamine- or MK801-induced impairment of olfactory spatial memory using computer-assisted 4-hole-board spatial memory test, and by monitoring Fos expression in the subiculum complex in mice. In addition, dual-immunofluorescence microscopy was employed to identify NPS-induced Fos-immunereactive (-ir) neurons that also bear NPSR. Intracerebroventricular administration of NPS (0.5 nmol) significantly increased the number of visits to switched odorants in recall trial in mice suffering from odor-discriminating inability induced by scopolamine, a selective muscarinic cholinergic receptor antagonist, or MK801, a N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, after training trials. The improvement of olfactory spatial memory by NPS was abolished by the NPSR antagonist [D-Val(5)]NPS (40 nmol). Ex vivo c-Fos and NPSR immunohistochemistry revealed that, as compared with vehicle-treated mice, NPS markedly enhanced Fos expression in the subiculum complex encompassing the subiculum (S), presubiculum (PrS) and parasubiculum (PaS). The percentages of Fos-ir neurons that also express NPSR were 91.3, 86.5 and 90.0 % in the S, PrS and PaS, respectively. The present findings demonstrate that NPS, via selective activation of the neurons bearing NPSR in the subiculum complex, ameliorates olfactory spatial memory impairment induced by scopolamine and MK801 in mice.
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14
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Ruzza C, Asth L, Guerrini R, Trapella C, Gavioli EC. Neuropeptide S reduces mouse aggressiveness in the resident/intruder test through selective activation of the neuropeptide S receptor. Neuropharmacology 2015; 97:1-6. [PMID: 25979487 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) regulates various biological functions by selectively activating the NPS receptor (NPSR). In particular NPS evokes robust anxiolytic-like effects in rodents together with a stimulant and arousal promoting action. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of NPS on the aggressiveness of mice subjected to the resident/intruder test. Moreover the putative role played by the endogenous NPS/NPSR system in regulating mice aggressiveness was investigating using mice lacking the NPSR receptor (NPSR(-/-)) and the NPSR selective antagonists [(t)Bu-D-Gly(5)]NPS and SHA 68. NPS (0.01-1 nmol, icv) reduced, in a dose dependent manner, both the time that resident mice spent attacking the intruder mice and their number of attacks, producing pharmacological effects similar to those elicited by the standard anti-aggressive drug valproate (300 mg/kg, ip). This NPS effect was evident in NPSR wild type (NPSR(+/+)) mice but completely disappeared in NPSR(-/-) mice. Moreover, NPSR(-/-) mice displayed a significantly higher time spent attacking than NPSR(+/+) mice. [(t)Bu-D-Gly(5)]NPS (10 nmol, icv) did not change the behavior of mice in the resident/intruder test but completely counteracted NPS effects. SHA 68 (50 mg/kg, ip) was inactive per se and against NPS. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that NPS produces anti-aggressive effects in mice through the selective activation of NPSR and that the endogenous NPS/NPSR system can exert a role in the control of aggressiveness levels under the present experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 19, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Laila Asth
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Elaine C Gavioli
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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15
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Ruzza C, Rizzi A, Malfacini D, Pulga A, Pacifico S, Salvadori S, Trapella C, Reinscheid RK, Calo G, Guerrini R. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of a neuropeptide S tetrabranched derivative. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2015; 3:e00108. [PMID: 25692025 PMCID: PMC4317238 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide welding technology (PWT) is a novel chemical strategy that allows the synthesis of multibranched peptides with high yield, purity, and reproducibility. With this approach, a tetrabranched derivative of neuropeptide S (NPS) has been synthesized and pharmacologically characterized. The in vitro activity of PWT1-NPS has been studied in a calcium mobilization assay. In vivo, PWT1-NPS has been investigated in the locomotor activity (LA) and recovery of the righting reflex (RR) tests. In calcium mobilization studies, PWT1-NPS behaved as full agonist at the mouse NPS receptor (NPSR) being threefold more potent than NPS. The selective NPSR antagonists [ (t) Bu-D-Gly(5)]NPS and SHA 68 displayed similar potency values against NPS and PWT1-NPS. In vivo, both NPS (1-100 pmol, i.c.v.) and PWT1-NPS (0.1-100 pmol, i.c.v.) stimulated mouse LA, with PWT1-NPS showing higher potency than NPS. In the RR assay, NPS (100 pmol, i.c.v.) was able to reduce the percentage of mice losing the RR after diazepam administration and their sleep time 5 min after the i.c.v. injection, but it was totally inactive 2 h after the injection. On the contrary, PWT1-NPS (30 pmol, i.c.v.), injected 2 h before diazepam, displayed wake-promoting effects. This PWT1-NPS stimulant effect was no longer evident in mice lacking the NPSR receptor. The PWT1 technology can be successfully applied to the NPS sequence. PWT1-NPS displayed in vitro a pharmacological profile similar to NPS. In vivo PWT1-NPS mimicked NPS effects showing higher potency and long-lasting action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Ruzza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Rizzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Malfacini
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alice Pulga
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Salvatore Pacifico
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Severo Salvadori
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rainer K Reinscheid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California Irvine Irvine, California, 92697
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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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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17
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Oishi M, Kushikata T, Niwa H, Yakoshi C, Ogasawara C, Calo G, Guerrini R, Hirota K. Endogenous neuropeptide S tone influences sleep-wake rhythm in rats. Neurosci Lett 2014; 581:94-7. [PMID: 25161123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is an endogenous peptide that exerts wakefulness promoting, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects when administered exogenously. However, it remains to be determined if endogenous NPS tone is involved in the control of the diurnal sleep-wake cycle, or spontanous behavior. In this study, we examined the effects of the NPS receptor antagonist [D-Cys((t)Bu)(5)]NPS (2 and 20 nmol, icv) on physiological sleep and spontaneous locomotor behavior. The higher dose of [D-Cys((t)Bu)(5)]NPS decreased the amount of time spent in wakefulness [control 782.5 ± 25.5 min, treatment 751.7 ± 28.1 min; p<0.05] and increased the time spent in NREMS [control 572.6 ± 17.2 min, treatment 600.2 ± 26.1 min; p<0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in time spent in REMS. There were no behavioral changes including abnormal gross motor behavior in response to [D-Cys((t)Bu)(5)]NPS administration. Collectively these data suggest an involvement of the endogenous NPS/NPS receptor system in physiological sleep architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masafumi Oishi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki 036-8563, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kushikata
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan.
| | - Hidetomo Niwa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yakoshi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki 036-8563, Japan
| | - Chihiro Ogasawara
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Hospital, Hirosaki 036-8563, Japan
| | - Girolamo Calo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Remo Guerrini
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Kazuyoshi Hirota
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki 036-8562, Japan
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18
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[d-Pen(p- t BuBzl)5]NPS, a novel ligand for the neuropeptide S receptor: structure activity and pharmacological studies. Med Chem Res 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-014-0927-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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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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20
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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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21
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Camarda V, Ruzza C, Rizzi A, Trapella C, Guerrini R, Reinscheid RK, Calo G. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the novel neuropeptide S receptor ligands QA1 and PI1. Peptides 2013; 48:27-35. [PMID: 23911665 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Revised: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacological activity of the novel neuropeptide S (NPS) receptor (NPSR) ligands QA1 and PI1 was investigated. In vitro QA1 and PI1 were tested in calcium mobilization studies performed in HEK293 cells expressing the recombinant mouse (HEK293mNPSR) and human (HEK293hNPSRIle107 and HEK293hNPSRAsn107) NPSR receptors. In vivo the compounds were studied in mouse righting reflex (RR) and locomotor activity (LA) tests. NPS caused a concentration dependent mobilization of intracellular calcium in the three cell lines with high potency (pEC50 8.73-9.14). In inhibition response curve and Schild protocol experiments the effects of NPS were antagonized by QA1 and PI1. QA1 displayed high potency (pKB 9.60-9.82) behaving as a insurmountable antagonist. However in coinjection experiments QA1 produced a rightward swift of the concentration response curve to NPS without modifying its maximal effects; this suggests that QA1 is actually a slow dissociating competitive antagonist. PI1 displayed a competitive type of antagonism and lower values of potencies (pA2 7.74-8.45). In vivo in mice NPS (0.1 nmol, i.c.v.) elicited arousal promoting action in the RR assay and stimulant effects in the LA test. QA1 (30 mgkg(-1)) was able to partially counteract the arousal promoting NPS effects, while PI1 was inactive in the RR test. In the LA test QA1 and PI1 only poorly blocked the NPS stimulant action. The present data demonstrated that QA1 and PI1 act as potent NPSR antagonists in vitro, however their usefulness for in vivo investigations in mice seems limited probably by pharmacokinetic reasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Camarda
- Department of Medical Science, Section of Pharmacology and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Shao YF, Zhao P, Dong CY, Li J, Kong XP, Wang HL, Dai LR, Hou YP. Neuropeptide S facilitates mice olfactory function through activation of cognate receptor-expressing neurons in the olfactory cortex. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62089. [PMID: 23614017 PMCID: PMC3628337 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a newly identified neuromodulator located in the brainstem and regulates various biological functions by selectively activating the NPS receptors (NPSR). High level expression of NPSR mRNA in the olfactory cortex suggests that NPS-NPSR system might be involved in the regulation of olfactory function. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPS or co-injection of NPSR antagonist on the olfactory behaviors, food intake, and c-Fos expression in olfactory cortex in mice. In addition, dual-immunofluorescence was employed to identify NPS-induced Fos immunereactive (-ir) neurons that also bear NPSR. NPS (0.1–1 nmol) i.c.v. injection significantly reduced the latency to find the buried food, and increased olfactory differentiation of different odors and the total sniffing time spent in olfactory habituation/dishabituation tasks. NPS facilitated olfactory ability most at the dose of 0.5 nmol, which could be blocked by co-injection of 40 nmol NPSR antagonist [D-Val5]NPS. NPS administration dose-dependently inhibited food intake in fasted mice. Ex-vivo c-Fos and NPSR immunohistochemistry in the olfactory cortex revealed that, as compared with vehicle-treated mice, NPS markedly enhanced c-Fos expression in the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), piriform cortex (Pir), ventral tenia tecta (VTT), the anterior cortical amygdaloid nucleus (ACo) and lateral entorhinal cortex (LEnt). The percentage of Fos-ir neurons that also express NPSR were 88.5% and 98.1% in the AON and Pir, respectively. The present findings demonstrated that NPS, via selective activation of the neurons bearing NPSR in the olfactory cortex, facilitates olfactory function in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Feng Shao
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Yu Dong
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Pan Kong
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Liang Wang
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Rong Dai
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ping Hou
- Departments of Neuroscience, Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Gardella E, Romei C, Cavallero A, Trapella C, Fedele E, Raiteri L. Neuropeptide S inhibits release of 5-HT and glycine in mouse amygdala and frontal/prefrontal cortex through activation of the neuropeptide S receptor. Neurochem Int 2013; 62:360-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Filaferro M, Novi C, Ruggieri V, Genedani S, Alboni S, Malagoli D, Caló G, Guerrini R, Vitale G. Neuropeptide S stimulates human monocyte chemotaxis via NPS receptor activation. Peptides 2013; 39:16-20. [PMID: 23142110 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptide S (NPS) produces several biological actions by activating a formerly orphan GPCR, now named NPS receptor (NPSR). It has been previously demonstrated that NPS stimulates murine leukocyte chemotaxis in vitro. In the present study we investigated the ability of NPS, in comparison with the proinflammatory peptide formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP), to stimulate human monocyte chemotaxis. At a concentration of 10(-8)M fMLP significantly stimulated chemotaxis. NPS produced a concentration dependent chemotactic action over the concentration range 10(-12) to 10(-5)M. The NPSR antagonists [D-Cys((t)Bu)(5)]NPS, [(t)Bu-D-Gly(5)]NPS and SHA 68 were used to pharmacologically characterize NPS action. Monocyte chemoattractant effect of NPS, but not fMLP, was completely blocked by either peptide antagonists or SHA with the nonpeptide molecule being more potent. None of the NPSR antagonists modified per se random cell migration. Thus, the present study demonstrated that NPS is able to stimulate human monocyte chemotaxis and that this effect is entirely due to selective NPSR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Filaferro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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