Nociceptin and neurotransmitter release in the periphery.
Nociceptin exerts a general modulatory effect on transmitter release from sympathetic, parasympathetic, NANC and sensory nerve endings in the peripheral nervous system in various species. This effect occurs at a prejunctional level and is independent from the activation of mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors. Despite the growing evidence describing the peripheral activity of nociceptin since its discovery in 1995, the lack of selective and potent antagonists does not allow us to draw conclusions on the putative physiological role of this peptide at this level.
Giuliani
S
S
Pharmacology Department, Menarini Ricerche S.p.A., Via Rismondo 12A, 50131, Florence, Italy. sgiuliani@menarini-ricerche.it
Lecci
A
A
Maggi
C A
CA
D000818:Animals; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000378:metabolism; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009132:Muscles / Q000378:metabolism; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D018847:Opioid Peptides / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D011957:Receptors, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000378:metabolism; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000378:metabolism; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000094942:Nociceptin Receptor; D000097629:Nociceptin
D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018847:Opioid Peptides; D011957:Receptors, Opioid; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D000094942:Nociceptin Receptor; D000097629:Nociceptin