Neuropeptide S (rat)

Neuropeptide S is a neuropeptide that is an agonist of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) with an EC50 value of 3.2 nM for the rat peptide to induce intracellular calcium mobilization in HEK293 cells expressing the human receptor. In rats, it increases the duration of wakefulness and decreases slow wave sleep stage 1 (SWS1), SWS2, and rapid eye movement (REM). Neuropeptide S dose-dependently (0.5-4 nmol per animal, i.c.v.) decreases fecal pellet excretion induced by restraint stress or corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) but does not influence basal gastric emptying, gastrointestinal transit, or distal colon propulsion. It also inhibits audible and ultrasonic vocalizations and increases the percentage of time spent in the open arm of the elevated plus maze test in a mouse model of arthritis.