In the present study we investigated, through immunohistochemistry, the presence and location of neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1) in the peripheral ganglia and carotid body of 16 humans and 5 rats. In both humans and rats, NTR1 immunostained ganglion cells were found in superior cervical ganglia (57.4+/-11.6% and 72.4+/-11.4%, respectively, p0.05), enteric ganglia (51.9+/-10.4% and 64.6+/-6.1, p<0...

We describe here the selection and characterization of designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) that bind specifically to the rat neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1), a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). The selection procedure using ribosome display and the initial clone analysis required <10 microg of detergent-solubilized, purified NTR1. Complex formation with solubilized GPCR was demonstrated b...

Neurotensin (NT) and an NT-related peptide (Lys, Asn, NT; LANT-6) are produced in the chicken brain and intestine, and these peptides are encoded by the same precursor gene (NT/LANT-6 precursor). Although it has been reported that the central administration of NT suppresses food intake in mammals, the effect of NT and LANT-6 on feeding behavior in birds has not yet been investigated. In this pa...

Some animals, including songbirds, vocalize at high rates when alone or in large groups. In songbirds, vocal behavior in these contexts is important for song learning and group cohesion. It is not obviously targeted at any particular individual and is described as 'undirected'. Studies suggest a role for dopamine (DA) in undirected song. The neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) can enhance dopaminergi...

The ligation of DNA double-strand breaks in the process of non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) is accomplished by a heterodimeric enzyme complex consisting of DNA ligase IV and an associated non-catalytic factor. This DNA ligase also accounts for the fatal joining of unprotected telomere ends. Hence, its activity must be tightly controlled. Here, we describe interactions of the DNA ligase IV-asso...

Neurotensin (NT) is a gastrointestinal neuropeptide that modulates intestinal inflammation and healing by binding to its high-affinity receptor NTR1. The dual role of NT in inflammation and healing is demonstrated in models of colitis induced by Clostridium difficile toxin A and dextran sulfate sodium, respectively, and involves NF-κB-dependent IL-8 expression and EGF receptor-mediated MAPK act...

Recently, the conception rates after artificial insemination have been pointed out to decline continuously. To overcome this problem, the control of frozen and thawed sperm quality is required. However, the mechanism of bovine sperm functional regulation is still largely unknown. In mammals, the ejaculated sperm are capable of showing fertilizing ability during migration in the female reproduct...

Fibroblasts colonization into injured areas during wound healing (WH) is responsible for skin remodelling and is also involved in the modulation of inflammation, as fibroblasts are immunologically active. Herein, we aimed to determine neurotensin effect on the immunomodulatory profile of fibroblasts, both in homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. Neurotensin mediated responses occurred throug...