New CCK2 agonists confirming the heterogeneity of CCK2 receptors: characterisation of BBL454.

Pharmacological studies were undertaken with a new series of cholecystokinin(2) CCK(2) agonists in order to assign to them a CCK(2A) or CCK(2B) pharmacological profile. The open-field test was chosen as the discrimination test of CCK(2B) agonists. The most interesting agonist, BBL454 (0.

Alpha-lactalbumin-enriched diets enhance serotonin release and induce anxiolytic and rewarding effects in the rat.

Among food proteins, alpha-lactalbumin (LAC) has the highest ratio of tryptophan (Trp) over its competitor amino acids. Consequently, contrary to casein (CAS), LAC ingestion increases Trp access to the brain leading to enhanced serotonin (5-HT) synthesis. As an index of serotonergic activity, we assessed extracellular 5-HT in response to LAC ingestion, using microdialysis, and performed behavioural tests in rats in order to characterise the suggested improvements of mood observed in humans after ingestion of this protein.

N-[2-(Indan-1-yl)-3-mercapto-propionyl] amino acids as highly potent inhibitors of the three vasopeptidases (NEP, ACE, ECE): In vitro and In vivo activities.

We have previously reported the design of a lead compound 1a for the joint inhibition of neprilysin (NEP, EC 3.4.24.

Deletion of CCK2 receptor in mice results in an upregulation of the endogenous opioid system.

Stimulation of the brain CCK2 receptor by the C-terminal octapeptide CCK8 of cholecystokinin (CCK) negatively modulates opioid responses. This suggests the existence of physiologically relevant interactions between endogenous CCK and opioid peptides, opening new perspectives particularly in the treatment of pain or drug addiction. CCK2 receptor-deficient mice were used to analyze the incidence of this gene invalidation on opioid system.