Endogenous nitric oxide modulates behavioural effects elicited by substance P in rat.
Several studies have shown that the undecapeptide, substance P, alters behaviour following central or peripheral administration in the rat. Here we report that L-arginine administration increases substance P-induced locomotion and changes in food intake in rats. NG-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, a specific inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, reduces substance P-induced effects. These results suggest that endogenous nitric oxide plays a role in the modulation of the catecholaminergic effect of substance P on motor behaviour. They also clarify the mechanism underlying food intake induced by substance P.
Mancuso
F
F
Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy.
Calignano
A
A
Sorrentino
L
L
D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000818:Animals; D001120:Arginine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000494:pharmacology; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects*; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000502:physiology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D051381:Rats; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology*
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D013373:Substance P; D001120:Arginine; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D000594:Amino Acid Oxidoreductases; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester