Project Summary

Rainer Reinscheid, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of University of California, Irvine, has recently identified a novel neuropeptide (termed NPS) and its receptor that are distributed in the limbic thalamocortical pathways implicated in psychoses. Preliminary studies indicate NPS produces arousal and anxiolytic-like effects in mice. Dr. Reinscheid hypothesizes that this novel transmitter system could be involved in neural processing of emotions and memory and might have functional significance as a therapeutic target in schizophrenia. In the proposed project, Dr. Reinscheid will analyze the pharmacology and distribution of NPS and its receptor compared with other known transmitters and investigate its effects in animal models of psychosis and emotional behavior. Results could provide the basis for understanding the brain functions of NPS and its potential role in psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia.

Program Area: SCHIZOPHRENIA/PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS\Schizophrenia

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