Neurotensin Neurons is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Neurotensin neurons are peptidergic neurons that utilize neurotensin as their primary neuromodulatory neuropeptide. These neurons are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and play diverse roles in thermoregulation, pain modulation, reward processing, and energy homeostasis.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Peptidergic Neurons |
| Location | Hypothalamus (preoptic area, paraventricular nucleus), Striatum (Nucleus accumbens), Central gray, Bed nucleus of the stria terminalis |
| Cell Types | Neurotensin-expressing interneurons and projection neurons |
| Primary Neurotransmitter | Neurotensin (13-amino acid peptide) |
| Key Markers | NTS (neurotensin gene), NTSR1 (NTS receptor 1), NTSR2, NTSR3 |
| Co-transmitters | GABA, glutamate in some populations |
Neurotensin neurons are found in several brain regions:
Hypothalamus
Striatum
Brainstem
Limbic structures
| Receptor | Type | Distribution | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTSR1 | GPCR (Gs/Gq) | Hypothalamus, VTA, NAc | Thermoregulation, reward |
| NTSR2 | GPCR (Gi) | Brainstem, cortex | Pain modulation |
| NTSR3/Sortilin | Non-GPCR | Ubiquitous | Neurodevelopment |
Thermoregulation
Pain Modulation
Reward Processing
Energy Balance
Additional Roles
NTSR1 Agonists
NTSR1 Antagonists
](/cell-types/hypothalamic-orexin-neurons
--vta-dopamine-neurons
--striatal-cholinergic-interneurons
--nucleus-accumbens-shell-neurons
--neurotensin)## Background
The study of Neurotensin Neurons has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
[1] Carraway RE, Leeman SE. The isolation of a new hypotensive peptide, neurotensin. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1982;400:95-111.
[2] St-Pierre SA, Kérouac R. Neurotensin. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 1984;8(4):565-572.
[3] Binder EB, Kinkead B. Neurotensin and dopamine interactions. Peptides. 2006;27(10):2365-2374.
[4] Dobner PR. Neurotensin and pain modulation. Pain. 2006;121(1-2):1-3.
[5] Kalia LV, Lang AE. Parkinson's disease. Lancet. 2015;386(9996):896-912.
[6] Lemstra AW, et al. Neurotensin in Alzheimer's disease. J Neural Transm. 2007;114(8):1053-1057.