Pharmaceutica Analytica Acta

Abstract

Galanin-like Peptide Ameliorates Obesity by Control of Food Intake and Energy Metabolism

Satoshi Hirako, Fumiko Takenoya, Haruaki Kageyama, Nobuhiro Wada, Mai Okabe and Seiji Shioda

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a 60 amino acid neuropeptide that was first isolated from the porcine hypothalamus. It is produced in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus by neurons that form networks with other neurons containing peptides involved in the control of feeding behavior. GALP plays an important role in the regulation of feeding, body weight and energy metabolism. Although the physiological actions of GALP are yet to be fully elucidated, it is possible, given the anti-obesity effect of GALP seen in relation to food intake and body weight loss in obese mice, that GALP could be applied clinically to combat obesity in humans. Here we summarize what is known about the regulation of energy metabolism by GALP, and describe results in animals that could possibly lead to the clinical use of GALP to treat obesity.