Neuropeptide S produces antinociceptive effects at the supraspinal level in mice.

Neuropeptide S (NPS), a recently identified bioactive peptide through reverse pharmacology approach, was reported to regulate arousal, anxiety, locomotor activity, feeding behaviors and drug reward. NPS receptor (NPSR) mRNA was found in the area related to the descending control system of pain, such as the periaqueductal gray (PAG), raphe nuclei, and lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBN), suggesting a possible role of the NPS-NPSR system in the regulation of pain transmission. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of NPS in pain modulation at the supraspinal level for the first time, using the tail withdrawal test and hot-plate test in mice.

Involvement of NMDA receptor in nociceptive effects elicited by intrathecal [Tyr6] gamma2-MSH(6-12), and the interaction with nociceptin/orphanin FQ in pain modulation in mice.

The mas-related genes (Mrgs, also known as sensory neuron-specific receptors, SNSRs) are specifically expressed in small diameter sensory neurons in the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia, suggesting an important role of the receptors in pain transmission. The present study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of the nociceptive effects after activation of MrgC, and the interaction between MrgC and N/OFQ-NOP receptor system in modulation of nociception in mice. Intrathecal (i.

Neuropeptide S inhibits the acquisition and the expression of conditioned place preference to morphine in mice.

Neuropeptide S (NPS), a recently identified bioactive peptide, was reported to regulate arousal, anxiety, motoring and feeding behaviors. NPS precursor and NPS receptor mRNA were found in the amygdala, the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra, the area thought to modulate rewarding properties of drugs. In the present study, we examined the influence of NPS on the rewarding action of morphine, using the unbiased conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm.