Endocrine Abstracts

Neuromedin U (NMU) is a brain-gut peptide originally isolated from porcine spinal cord, and later found in other species. NMU acts through two receptors named NMU1R (abundant in peripheral tissues) and NMU2R (apparently restricted to specific brain regions). Besides its potential implication in the control of stress responses, NMU is abundantly expressed in the ventromedial hypothalamic area and has been involved, as satiety factor, in the regulation of food intake. Very recen...

Introduction: Kisspeptins, the products of the Kiss1 gene that act via the receptor, GPR54 (or Kiss1R), are pivotal elements in the neuroendocrine control of GnRH neurons and, thereby, gonadotropin secretion. Extensive efforts have been devoted recently to elucidate the pharmacological effects and major putative regulators of the kisspeptin system. Yet, our knowledge on the potential interactions of kisspeptins with other key neurotransmitters involved in the central re...

The adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ involved in the control not only of metabolism and energy balance, but also of other relevant body functions, including reproduction. Adiponectin is an adipocyte hormone, with relevant roles in lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis, recently involved in the control of different endocrine organs, such as the placenta, pituitary and, likely, the ovary. However, whether as described previously for other adipokines, such as leptin...

Nesfatin-1, product of the precursor NEFA/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), was initially identified as anorectic hypothalamic neuropeptide, acting in a leptin-independent manner. In addition to its central role in the control of energy homeostasis, evidence has mounted recently that nesfatin-1 is also produced in peripheral metabolic tissues, such as pancreas, adipose and gut. Moreover, nesfatin-1 has been shown to participate in the control of body functions gated by whole-body energy...