Identification of NPB, NPW and Their Receptor in the Rat Heart

Abstract

Members of neuropeptide B/W signaling system have been predominantly detected and mapped within the CNS. In the rat, this system includes neuropeptide B (NPB), neuropeptide W (NPW) and their specific receptor NPBWR1. This signaling system has a wide spectrum of functions including a role in modulation of inflammatory pain and neuroendocrine functions. Expression of NPB, NPW and NPBWR1 in separate heart compartments, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and stellate ganglia was proven by RT-qPCR, Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence. Presence of mRNA for all tested genes was detected within all heart compartments and ganglia. The presence of proteins preproNPB, preproNPW and NPBWR1 was confirmed in all the chambers of heart by WB. Expression of preproNPW and preproNPB was proven in cardiac ganglionic cells obtained by laser capture microdissection. In immunofluorescence analysis, NPB immunoreactivity was detected in nerve fibers, some nerve cell bodies and smooth muscle within heart and both ganglia. NPW immunoreactivity was present in the nerve cell bodies and nerve fibers of heart ganglia. Weak nonhomogenous staining of cardiomyocytes was present within heart ventricles. NPBWR1 immunoreactivity was detected on cardiomyocytes and some nerve fibers. We confirmed the presence of NPB/W signaling system in heart, DRG and stellate ganglia by proteomic and genomic analyses.

The Role of Peptide Hormones Discovered in the 21st Century in the Regulation of Adipose Tissue Functions

“…Neuropeptide B is widely expressed in the organism, predominantly in the central nervous system [ 106 , 120 , 121 ], as well as in peripheral tissues, such as the gastrointestinal system, heart, ovary, testes, adrenals, pancreatic islets, and fat tissue [ 118 , 121 , 122 , 123 ]. Neuropeptide B was implicated in controlling appetite [ 108 ], inflammatory pain [ 124 ], stress hormone secretion [ 125 ], and the stimulation of aldosterone [ 126 ], insulin [ 118 ], progesterone, and testosterone [ 127 ].…”

The Role of Neuropeptide B and Its Receptors in Controlling Appetite, Metabolism, and Energy Homeostasis

“…These results indicate that NPB may contribute to the modulation of bone cell activity. In addition, discussing the role of NPB in peripheral tissues, it needs to be pointed out that a recent rat study demonstrated that NPB and its receptors are present in the heart [ 25 ]. NPB mRNA expression was detected in both atria and, at lower levels, both ventricles.…”

“…Due to limited data regarding the role of NPB in the cardiovascular system, it is difficult to speculate about its role in the heart. Nevertheless, based on the presence of NPB in smooth muscle cells of the coronary circulation, it was postulated that it may be involved in modulating the regulation of the coronary circulation [ 25 ]. Moreover, NPB expression was also detected in the intestine [ 10 , 18 , 21 , 23 ], suggesting its potential role in controlling the gut–brain axis.…”

Laser Capture Microdissection Coupled Capillary Immunoassay to Study the Expression of PCK-2 on Spatially-Resolved Islets of Rat Langerhans

“…After drying, the slide was placed on an inverted microscope. This staining was used because it does not interfere with RNA as well as protein analyses [17,18].…”