Widespread expression in adult rat forebrain of mRNA encoding high-affinity neurotensin receptor

Neurotensin agonists block the prepulse inhibition deficits produced by a 5-HT2A and an ?1 agonist

“…For example, there are NT-containing cell bodies in most rostral raphe nuclei, and NT-containing fibers and terminals in all raphe nuclei (Emson et al 1982;Mai et al 1987;Allen and Cechetto 1995). NT receptor binding sites and mRNA have also been found in raphe nuclei (Boudin et al 1996;Alexander and Leeman 1998).…”

Multitasking with neurotensin in the central nervous system

“…Similarly, numerous NT-IR cell bodies and fibers have been described in the rat PAG, and the PAG sends a major NTergic projection to the RVM [203][204][205]. NTR-1 is expressed at weak to moderate levels in dendrites and cell bodies both dorsal and ventral to the cerebral aqueduct in the PAG, and on serotonin neurons in the nucleus raphe magnus and dorsalis [92,93,206]. More recent studies have demonstrated that NTR-2 is also expressed in neuronal cell bodies and processes within the PAG and dorsal raphe nucleus, opening the possibility that both receptors may play a role in nociceptive modulation [207].…”

“…2) [90][91][92][93]. APDevoked Fos activation involves both dopamine D 2 receptor blockade and glutamate signaling through N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptors [94][95][96].…”

“…A presynaptic action of NT potentiating glutamate release is required for neuronal activation in the dorsal striatum and increased PPI following haloperidol administration. NT most likely influences neuronal activation through effects on corticostriatal afferents expressing NTR-1 [87], since the available evidence suggests that dorsal striatal neurons do not express this receptor [92,93]. Recently, treatment with the NT agonist PD149163 has been shown to activate cortical PFC pyramidal neurons and interneurons [238].…”

“…The initiation of AMP sensitization involves concerted dopamine and glutamate signaling in the VTA and most likely the PFC, where psychostimulants increase NT release [177]. Since NTR-1 is expressed at reasonably high levels in the PFC [92,93], NT release in this region could influence glutamate transmission, perhaps including transmission to the VTA. Recent work also indicates that there are extensive NT inputs to the VTA [178], and AMP-evoked NT release in this region could also modulate local neurotransmitter release, although such release has not been demonstrated.…”