Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior
Published on: September 16, 2015
The action of ANP, BNP and related peptides on motivated behavior in rats
1Institute of Pathophysiology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary.
Abstract:
This review summarizes the action of atrial natriuretic (ANP) and some related compounds such as BNP, CNP and fragments on the central nervous system, based mainly on the results obtained in the author's laboratory. The aim of the investigations was to assess the physiological significance of the natriuretic peptide family in the brain by administering the peptides into the lateral brain ventricle. Effects were studied on motivated behavior, including active and passive avoidance learning, food-reinforced conditioning, open-field activity, electroshock-induced amnesia, development of morphine tolerance and dependence, and picrotoxin-kindled seizure syndrome. Antisera against ANP were used in order to follow the specificity of the resulting action. The role of neurotransmitters in the mediation of peptide action was elucidated by treating the animals with receptor blockers before peptide administration.
Related Concept Videos
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Adrenergic Neurons: Neurotransmission
Synthesis: Catecholamine synthesis requires tyrosine, which is taken...
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...
Sympathetic Signaling
Sympathetic preganglionic fibers release the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) onto the ganglionic neurons in the...
Regulation of Food Intake

