Neuromedin U - Function

Function

The activation of NmU receptors leads to intracellular signal transduction via calcium mobilization, phosphoinositide (or PI) signaling, and the inhibition of cAMP production

NmU will contract smooth muscle only in a tissue- and species-specific manner. Intracerebroventricular (or i.c.v) administration of the neuropeptide mediates stress response and increases both the arterial pressure and heart rate. i.c.v administration of NmU elevates the plamsa adrenaline levels, though has no effect on the amount of plasma noradrenaline. It has been suggested that large doses of NmU inhibits the activity of the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus and/or the sympathetic preganglionic neurons, thus controlling the activity.