The effects of endomorphins and diprotin A on striatal dopamine release induced by electrical stimulation-an in vitro superfusion study in rats.

The endomorphins (EM1: Tyr-Pro-Trp-Phe-NH2, and EM2: Tyr-Pro-Phe-Phe-NH2) are recently discovered endogenous ligands for mu-opioid receptors (MORs) with role of neurotransmitters or neuromodulators in mammals. Cessation of their physiological action may be effected through rapid enzymatic degradation by the dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV) found in the brain synaptic membranes. An in vitro superfusion system was utilized to investigate the actions of EM1, EM2 and specific DPPIV inhibitor diprotin A on the striatal release of dopamine (DA) induced by electrical stimulation in rats.

The effects of corticoptropin-releasing factor and the urocortins on striatal dopamine release induced by electrical stimulation-an in vitro superfusion study.

The members of the CRF peptide family, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), urocortin I (Ucn I), urocortin II (Ucn II) and urocortin III (Ucn III) coordinate endocrine and behavioral responses to stress. CRF has also been demonstrated to stimulate dopamine (DA) synthesis. In our study, a superfusion system was used to investigate the effects of this peptide family on striatal DA release following electrical stimulation.

The role of NPY in the mediation of orexin-induced hypothermia.

The mediation of orexin-A-induced hypothermia was investigated. Different doses of orexin-A (140-560 pmol) were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.