Apelin, and its receptor within the central nervous system

作者：Wawrzyniak Gacek Agata^*

来源：Medycyna Weterynaryjna, 2011, 67(6): 390-393.

• apelin
• receptor APJ
• neurons
• glia

Apelin (APLN) is a new peptide which was initially gained from extracts of the bovine stomach mucous membrane. lit has a few isoforms differing in length of polypeptide chain and biological activity. Apelin exerts a biological effect using a specific apelin receptor (APJ). At present, there is an increase of interest in this peptide and its receptor because they are specifically localized in the central nervous system (OUN). By means of immunohistochemical techniques it has been demonstrated that the majority of neurons contain APLN and some neurons along with oligodendrocytes and astrocytes accompanying them reveal a dear localization of the APJ receptor both in the white and grey matter of the spinal cord and brain. APLN can participate in the OUN's development. It performs a function of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator as well as a regulator of synaptic conductivity. This peptide controls neuroendocrine mechanisms in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. APLN regulates circadian rhythms as well as drinking and eating mechanisms in the pineal gland. In astrocytes APLN can exert neuroprotective activity and regulate astrocyte-neuron interactions. APLN's influence on the functioning of glia and neurons through the APJ receptor has not been fully explained. Further examination can provide information about APLN's role and its APJ receptor in normal and pathologically changed OUN.

• 出版日期2011-6