Analysis of crosstalk between the central nervous system and peripheral organs involving galanin-like peptide(GALP)

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Galanin-like peptide(GALP) is a neuropeptide related to feeding behavior and energy metabolism. GALP is produced in the hypothalamus arcuate nucleus. GALP also is present in the circulation. We hypothesized a linkage between the central nervous system(CNS) and peripheral organs. In order to demonstrate our hypothesis, we identified GALP mRNA expression in the several organs using RT-PCR, and measured neuronal activities of autonomic nervous system after GALP intravenous injection using electrophysiological techniques. We found that GALP mRNA expressed in the many organs. In addition, we found that GALP activated efferent sympathetic nerve. Vagotomy blocked the activation by GALP. GALP suppressed both afferent and efferent vagus nerves. These results suggest that GALP in circulation sends information to the CNS through vagal afferents and then regulates outputs of autonomic nerves in the CNS.