Nociceptin Opioid

Chapter One: Helix-Constrained Nociceptin Peptides Are Potent Agonists and Antagonists of ORL-1 and Nociception

• Abstract
• 1 Nociception in Brief
• 2 Prospecting the Importance of the N-Terminal Tetrapeptide of Nociceptin(1–17)
• 3 Other Modifications to Nociceptin(1–17)
• 4 The Importance of Structure in Nociceptin Analogues
• 5 Recent Advances in ORL-1 Active Nociceptin Peptides
• 6 The Development of New Helix-Constrained Nociceptin Analogues
• 7 Biological Properties of Helical Nociceptin Mimetics
• 8 Concluding Remarks

Chapter Two: Bioinformatics and Evolution of Vertebrate Nociceptin and Opioid Receptors

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 The Vertebrate Opioid Receptor Sequence Database
• 3 The Human Genome and the Evolution of Opioid Receptors
• 4 The Molecular Evolution of Vertebrate Opioid Family Receptors
• 5 Future Directions
• 6 Conclusions
• Acknowledgments

Chapter Three: Ancestral Vertebrate Complexity of the Opioid System

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Opioid Peptide Family
• 3 Opioid Receptor Family
• 4 Discussion: Complexity, Coevolution, and Divergence
• 5 Conclusions
• Acknowledgement

Chapter Four: Synthesis and Biological Activity of Small Peptides as NOP and Opioid Receptors’ Ligands: View on Current Developments

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Endogenous Opioid Peptides and Receptors: Nociceptin and NOP Receptor Ligands
• 3 Hexapeptides with NOP Receptor Affinity
• 4 Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis
• 5 Conclusions
• Acknowledgment

Chapter Five: Pain Regulation by Nocistatin-Targeting Molecules: G Protein-Coupled-Receptor and Nocistatin-Interacting Protein

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Biological Activity by NST Through G Protein-Coupled Receptor
• 3 Pain Regulation Through an NST-Interacting Protein
• 4 Conclusions
• Acknowledgment

Chapter Six: Nociceptin and Meiosis during Spermatogenesis in Postnatal Testes

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Regulation of Nociceptin Expression by FSH Signaling in Sertoli Cells
• 3 Function of Nociceptin During Meiosis in Spermatocytes
• 4 Nociceptin is a Novel Paracrine Factor that is Induced in Sertoli Cells and Mediates to Germ Cells the Effect of FSH on Spermatogenesis
• 5 Nociceptin is a Novel Extrinsic Factor Inducing Rec8 Phosphorylation and Chromosome Dynamics During Meiosis in Spermatocytes
• 6 Conclusions
• Acknowledgments

Chapter Seven: Orphanin FQ-ORL-1 Regulation of Reproduction and Reproductive Behavior in the Female

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 Ovarian Hormone Regulation of Reproductive Behavior and Neuroendocrine Feedback Loops
• 3 OFQ/N-ORL-1 Regulation of Sexual Receptivity
• 4 Ovarian Steroid Regulation of OFQ/N and ORL-1 Expression and Signaling
• 5 OFQ/N-ORL-1 Regulation of GnRH and LH Release During Positive and Negative Feedback
• 6 Conclusions
• Acknowledgments

Chapter Eight: Effects of Nociceptin and Nocistatin on Uterine Contraction

• Abstract
• 1 Roles of PNOC, N/OFQ, and NST in Different Peripheral Tissues
• 2 Presence of PNOC, N/OFQ, and NST in Uterine Tissue
• 3 The Effects and Mechanisms of Action of N/OFQ and NST on Uterine Contractility
• 4 Conclusions

Chapter Nine: Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ-NOP Receptor System in Inflammatory and Immune-Mediated Diseases

• Abstract
• 1 A Brief Overview of the Immune Response
• 2 N/OFQ and Its Receptor
• 3 N/OFQ and NOP Receptor Expression in Leukocytes
• 4 Effects of NOP Receptor Activation on the Immune Response
• 5 NOP Receptor Activation and Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases
• 6 Molecular Mechanisms Underlying N/OFQ Actions on Immune Functions
• 7 Relationship Between N/OFQ, Stress, and HPA Axis
• 8 Conclusions
• Acknowledgments

Chapter Ten: Endogenous Nociceptin System Involvement in Stress Responses and Anxiety Behavior

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 The Neuroanatomical Basis of Fear Conditioning
• 3 Evidence for a Role of Nociceptin in Fear Learning and Memory
• 4 Nociceptin and Neurochemical Substrates of Fear Conditioning: Focus on Biogenic Amines
• 5 Maternal Adaptations of the Nociceptin System
• 6 Conclusions

Chapter Eleven: The Neuronal Circuit Between Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and Hypocretins/Orexins Coordinately Modulates Stress-Induced Analgesia and Anxiety-Related Behavior

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 The N/OFQ System
• 3 The Hypocretins/Orexins System
• 4 Interaction Between the N/OFQ and Hcrt Systems
• 5 Conclusions
• Acknowledgments

Chapter Twelve: Nociceptin/Orphanin-FQ Modulation of Learning and Memory

• Abstract
• 1 Introduction
• 2 N/OFQ Modulation of Mnemonic Functions
• 3 Mechanisms of N/OFQ-Mediated Modulation of Cognitive Functions
• 4 Conclusion and Remarks
• Acknowledgments