Using animals selectively bred for high and low trait anxiety to investigate the role of Neuropeptide S in anxiety disorders

Neuropeptide S (NPS) has generated substantial interest due to its anxiolytic and fear-attenuating effects in rodents, while a corresponding receptor polymorphism associated with increased NPS receptor (NPSR1) surface expression and efficacy has been implicated in an increased risk of panic disorder in humans. To gain insight into this paradox, we examined the NPS system in rats and mice bred for high anxiety-related behaviour (HAB) versus low anxiety-related behaviour, and, thereafter, determined the effect of central NPS administration on anxiety- and fear-related behaviour.
Source: Neuropeptides - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Source Type: research