Direct inhibitory action of galanin on hypothalamic arcuate nucleus neurones expressing galanin receptor Gal-r1 mRNA.

Galanin may act in the regulation of reproduction and feeding behaviour through a direct action on arcuate nucleus (ARC) neurones but evidence for a postsynaptic action is absent. The effects of rat galanin(1-29) on rat ARC neurones were examined during recordings with biocytin-filled sharp microelectrodes from brain slices. Neurones were subsequently visualised and hybridized for the mRNA of the galanin receptor Gal-R1.