The Study On The Motor Regulation Mechanism Of NPS In Basal Ganglia Of Mice

Neuropeptide S (NPS), a bioactive peptide identified in 2002, was reported to be involved in regulating arousal, anxiety, locomotion, learning and memory. NPS precursor mRNA is highly expressed in a group of neurons located between the locus coeruleus and Barrington's nucleus. Expression of NPS is also found in the lateral parabrachial nucleus, the principal sensory five nucleus of the brainstem, the amygdala and the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. High levels of NPSR have been shown to be expressed in various brain regions. NPSR has a high level of expression in Basal ganglia which plays a crucial role in the regulation of locomotion. It means that NPS may regulate the locomotor action through a nucleus in Basal ganglia. In the present study, using the method of microinjection in Lateral globus pallidus, we evaluated the effect of NPS in locomotor regulation, finding that NPS(0.03-0.3nmol) caused a significant increase of locomotor activity in mice. The co-microinjection of [D-Val5] NPS 10nmol and NPS 0.1 nmol antagonized the promoting effect of NPS on locomotor ability. In conclusion, these results indicated that NPS may regulate the Basal ganglia through NPS-NPSR system.