Molecular, biochemical and behavioural evidence for a novel oxytocin receptor and serotonin 2C receptor heterocomplex.

The complexity of oxytocin-mediated functions is strongly associated with its modulatory effects on other neurotransmission systems, including the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system. Signalling between oxytocin (OT) and 5-HT has been demonstrated during neurodevelopment and in the regulation of specific emotion-based behaviours. It is suggested that crosstalk between neurotransmitters is driven by interaction between their specific receptors, particularly the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor (5-HTR), but evidence for this and the downstream signalling consequences that follow are lacking.

Attenuation of Oxytocin and Serotonin 2A Receptor Signaling through Novel Heteroreceptor Formation.

The oxytocin receptor (OTR) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A receptor (5-HTR) are expressed in similar brain regions modulating central pathways critical for social and cognition-related behaviors. Signaling crosstalk between their endogenous ligands, oxytocin (OT) and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), highlights the complex interplay between these two neurotransmitter systems and may be indicative of the formation of heteroreceptor complexes with subsequent downstream signaling changes. In this study, we assess the possible formation of OTR-5HTR heteromers in living cells and the functional downstream consequences of this receptor-receptor interaction.

A ghrelin receptor and oxytocin receptor heterocomplex impairs oxytocin mediated signalling.

Oxytocin mediates its behavioural effects via the centrally expressed oxytocin receptor (OTR). Oxytocin signalling has been implicated in multiple disorders involving centrally regulated pathways, including obesity, autism, schizophrenia and depression. The OTR has been described to have a complex downstream signalling pathway and an increased understanding of oxytocinergic signalling is needed for the development of novel and better treatments for centrally regulated disorders.

A Dairy-Derived Ghrelinergic Hydrolysate Modulates Food Intake In Vivo.

Recent times have seen an increasing move towards harnessing the health-promoting benefits of food and dietary constituents while providing scientific evidence to substantiate their claims. In particular, the potential for bioactive protein hydrolysates and peptides to enhance health in conjunction with conventional pharmaceutical therapy is being investigated. Dairy-derived proteins have been shown to contain bioactive peptide sequences with various purported health benefits, with effects ranging from the digestive system to cardiovascular circulation, the immune system and the central nervous system.