Expression of the neuropeptide galanin is markedly upregulated within the adult dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after peripheral nerve injury. We demonstrated previously that the rate of peripheral nerve regeneration is reduced in galanin knock-out mice, with similar deficits observed in neurite outgrowth from cultured mutant DRG neurons. Here, we show that the addition of galanin peptide significan...

BACKGROUND Galanin is a key modulator of nociception, and it is also required for the developmental survival of a subset of C-fibre sensory neurons which are critical to the mediation of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, the potential modulatory roles played by galanin, or the galanin-dependent neurons, in pruritoceptive mechanisms underlying the sensation of itch have not been invest...

Noradrenergic neurons in the locus ceruleus contain neuropeptide Y and galanin, which project to the hypothalamic region. We have investigated the regulatory mechanisms of these peptides on norepinephrine release in rat hypothalamic slices in vitro. Neuropeptide Y and galanin significantly inhibited the stimulation-evoked [3H]norepinephrine release in a dose-dependent manner (1 Hz: S2/S1 ratio ...

Galanin modulates gastrointestinal motility by inhibiting the release of ACh from enteric neurons. It is, however, not known whether galanin also inhibits neuronal cholinergic transmission postsynaptically and whether galanin also reduces the action of other excitatory neurotransmitters. The aim of the present study was thus to investigate the effect of galanin on the evoked intracellular Ca(2+...

The neuropeptide galanin (Gal) and its receptors (GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3) are expressed in spinal cord. We have characterized the pharmacology of the antinociceptive effects of intrathecally (i.t.) administered galanin and its analogs in the formalin test in rats, using an automated flinch detection system. Intrathecal injection of rat galanin (Gal(1-29)) or human galanin (Gal(1-30)) produced ...

Previous studies have shown that the expression of the neuropeptide galanin in the hippocampus is altered by seizures and that exogenous administration of galanin into the hippocampus attenuates seizure severity. To address the role of endogenous galanin in modulation of hippocampal excitability and its possible role in seizure mechanisms, we studied two types of transgenic mice: mice with a ta...

The neuropeptides galanin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) play an important role in the reproduction of rodents, e.g. by modulating the release of gonadal hormones, the nutritional status by effects on feeding behavior and also by infl uencing mating behavior. There are ageand genderdifferences in galaninand NPY like immunoreactivities (LIs) in brain areas important for higher functions, including the...

Leptin acts centrally via leptin receptor (LepRb)-expressing neurons to regulate food intake, energy expenditure, and other physiological functions. LepRb neurons are found throughout the brain, and several distinct populations contribute to energy homeostasis control. However, the function of most LepRb populations remains unknown, and their contribution to regulate energy homeostasis has not ...

Galanin is present in neurons in the brain that are important in the control of arterial pressure, and intracisternal administration of galanin evokes hypotension, but the site of action is unknown. In urethane-anesthetized, vagotomized mechanically ventilated Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 34), we investigated the effects of microinjecting galanin (1 mM, 50 nl, 50 pmol) into the rostral ventrolatera...

Galanin is present in neurons in the brain that are important in the control of arterial pressure and intracisternal administration of galanin evokes hypotension, but the site of action is unknown. In urethane-anaesthetised, vagotomised mechanically ventilated Sprague Dawley rats (N=34), we investigated the effects of microinjecting galanin (1mM, 50nL, 50pmol) into the rostral ventrolateral med...