Fumiko Takenoya, Satoshi Hirako, Nobuhiro Wada, Naoko Nonaka, Takahiro Hirabayashi, Haruaki Kageyama and Seiji Shioda* Pages 3926 - 3933 ( 8 )
Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is composed of 60 amino acid residues and its sequence is highly homologous across species. GALP is produced in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and has diverse physiological effects such as the regulation of feeding, energy metabolism, and reproductive behavior. GALP-containing neurons express leptin receptors and these neurons form networks in the hypothalamus that contain various peptides that regulate feeding behavior. Recent studies have revealed that GALP has a central anti-obesity action in addition to its role in food intake regulation. Furthermore, we have found that the respiratory quotient declines shortly after administration of GALP into the lateral ventricle. This suggests that lipid metabolism is accelerated by GALP administration, and identifies a new physiological action for this peptide. In this review article, we summarize our recent research focusing on the mechanism whereby GALP regulates feeding and energy metabolism. We concentrate on the mechanism of regulation of lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues via the autonomic nervous system and outline the effectiveness of the nasal administration of GALP and basic research towards its clinical application.
Feeding regulation, energy metabolism, heat production, neuron network, intranasal infusion, Galanin-like peptide (GALP).
Department of Physiology and Molecular Sciences, Division of Comprehensive and Fundamental Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo 142-8501, Department of Health and Nutrition, University of Human Arts and Sciences, Saitama 339-8539, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Peptide Drug Innovation, Tokyo 142-8501, Department of Oral Anatomy and Developmental Biology, School of Dentistry, Showa University, Tokyo 142-8555, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Peptide Drug Innovation, Tokyo 142-8501, Division of Nutrition, Faculty of Health Care, Kiryu University, Gunma 379-2392, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Peptide Drug Innovation, Tokyo 142-8501