Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Identification of Orexin and Endocannabinoid Receptors in Adult Zebrafish Using Immunoperoxidase and Immunofluorescence Methods
Published on: June 25, 2019
Multiple phospholipase activation by OX(1) orexin/hypocretin receptors
L Johansson1, M E Ekholm, J P Kukkonen
1Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Orexin-1 receptors activate multiple phospholipases, generating diacylglycerol via Phospholipase D and C pathways. Different concentrations reveal distinct phospholipase C activities, influencing downstream signaling.
Area of Science:
- Cellular signaling and receptor pharmacology
- Biochemistry of lipid metabolism
Background:
- Orexin receptors (OX1) are G protein-coupled receptors involved in various physiological processes.
- Phospholipase activation is a key mechanism in cellular signal transduction pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coupling of OX1 receptors to phospholipase activation.
- To characterize diacylglycerol generation pathways downstream of OX1 receptor stimulation.
- To elucidate the specific phospholipase activities involved at varying orexin-A concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical assays to measure enzyme activity.
- Real-time fluorescence methods for dynamic cellular response monitoring.
- Experiments conducted in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.
Main Results:
- Low orexin-A concentrations activate Phospholipase D, producing diacylglycerol.
- Higher orexin-A concentrations activate Phospholipase C, hydrolyzing phosphatidylinositol (PI) or phosphatidylinositol monophosphate (PIP).
- Further increased orexin-A concentrations activate Phospholipase C to hydrolyze phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (PIP(2)), releasing diacylglycerol and inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate.
Conclusions:
- OX1 receptors couple to multiple phospholipase activities, including Phospholipase D and at least two distinct Phospholipase C activities.
- Diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid are preferred products at low agonist concentrations.
- Activated Phospholipase C primarily increases diacylglycerol rather than inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate at lower concentrations.
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Receptors: Overview
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
GPCRs Regulate Adenylyl Cylase Activity
Two...
Adrenergic Agonists: Indirect-Acting Agents
One mechanism involves depleting stored catecholamines by displacing them from synaptic vesicles. These agents, known as "displacers," are transported into vesicles at the expense of noradrenaline. Examples include amphetamine and tyramine, which lack a catechol moiety, resulting in prolonged action, improved oral bioavailability, and...
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway
GPCR Desensitization

