Abstract

Neuropeptide W (NPW), an endogenous ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor GPR7, is produced in neurones in the rat hypothalamus and brain stem known to be important in the control of food intake and the neuroendocrine response to stress. In previous studies, central administration of NPW during the light phase increased food and water intake and elevated prolactin and corticosterone levels in conscious, unrestrained male rats. In the present study, central administration of small-interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced NPW levels in the hypothalamus and resulted in a failure of angiotensin II to stimulate water drinking or increase mean arterial pressure. In addition, siRNA-treated animals failed to mount a significant prolactin response to immobilisation stress, at the same time as maintaining a normal corticosterone response. These results suggest that endogenous NPW may be a physiologically relevant, downstream mediator of the central actions of angiotensin II to stimulate thirst and increase arterial pressure. In addition, NPW-producing neurones appear to participate in the hypothalamic mechanisms controlling prolactin (but not corticosterone) secretion. © 2013 British Society for Neuroendocrinology.

Department(s)

Biological Sciences

Publication Status

Full Access

Comments

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Grant R01HL066023

Keywords and Phrases

Angiotensin II; Blood pressure; Neuropeptide W; Stress hormones; Water drinking

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1365-2826; 0953-8194

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2025 Wiley, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2013

PubMed ID

24028220

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