The two @entity1 neuropeptides @entity70302 and NPAF have been shown to have important roles in nociception, @entity148 , learning and memory, and cardiovascular reflex. Two receptors (FF1 and FF2) have been molecularly identified for @entity70302 and NPAF. We have now characterized a novel gene designated @entity70303 that encodes two neuropeptides highly similar to @entity70302 . @entity70303 mRNA was detected specifically in a region between the dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. @entity70303 -derived peptides displayed higher affinity for FF1 than @entity70302 -derived peptides, but showed poor agonist activity for FF2. Following intracerebral ventricular administration, a @entity70303 -derived peptide blocked @entity1286 -induced @entity1337 more potently than @entity70302 in both acute and inflammatory models of @entity158 . In situ hybridization analysis revealed distinct expression patterns of FF1 and FF2 in the @entity35 central nervous system. FF1 was broadly distributed, with the highest levels found in specific regions of the limbic system and the brainstem where @entity70303 -producing neurons were shown to project. FF2, in contrast, was mostly expressed in the spinal cord and some regions of the thalamus. These results indicate that the endogenous ligands for FF1 and FF2 are @entity70303 - and @entity70302 -derived peptides, respectively, and suggest that the @entity70303 /FF1 system may be an important part of endogenous anti-opioid mechanism.

Identification and characterization of novel @entity1 neuropeptide FF-like peptides that attenuate XXXX -induced antinociception.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['mammalian'] @entity70302 :: ('8620', 'Gene') :: ['NPFF'] @entity1337 :: ('MESH:D000699', 'Disease') :: ['analgesia'] @entity148 :: ('MESH:D001008', 'Disease') :: ['anxiety'] @entity70303 :: ('64111', 'Gene') :: ['NPVF'] @entity1286 :: ('MESH:D009020', 'Chemical') :: ['morphine'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['pain'] @entity35 :: ('10116', 'Species') :: ['rat']
@entity1286 :: (MESH:D009020,Chemical) :: ['morphine']
