| Modification Notes |
The human RFamide-related peptide gene, RFRP (also designated NPVF or C7orf9), is responsible for encoding three small neuropeptides designated NPSF (RFRP-1), RFRP-2 and RFRP-3 (NPVF). The homologous gene in rodents encodes only two functional neuropeptide: NPSF (RFRP-1) and RFRP-3 (NPVF). RFamide-related peptides constitute a large family of neuropeptides in a wide range of species that are known to play a role in neurotransmission, neuromodulation, cardioexcitation and control of muscle contraction. Neuropeptides NPSF and RFRP-3 efficiently inhibit Forskolin-induced production of cAMP. RFRP-2, however, does not appear to have a similar inhibitory activity. RFamide-related peptides are secreted and abundantly expressed in retina. NPSF and RFRP-3 are also widely distributed in fetal and adult brain, including the forebrain, hypothalamus, thalamus, midbrain, pons and medulla oblongata. RFRP-1 and the prolactin (PRL)-releasing peptide-31 (PrRP-31) may be involved in the stimulation of stress hormone secretion by either direct pituitary or indirect hypothalamic actions. In rats, NPSF has been shown to induce prolactin secretion while RFRP-3 blocks morphine-induced analgesia. |
