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Veterinary Sciences
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Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest
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Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Biomedical Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 20703

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lucianna Maruccio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, (MVPA), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: zebrafish; neurotrophins; Uncaria tomentosa; Lepidium meyenii (Maca); reproduction system; digestive system; feline; Japanese quail; marine mammals; food intake
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Carla Lucini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions (MVPA), University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Interests: brain; fish; neuroanatomy; gut; pancreas
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neuropeptides, being highly conserved during evolution, lend themselves to comparative and evolutionary studies. Due to their primary amino acid structure, neuropeptides are classified into several families. Thus, they can play different functional roles in organs and/or tissues of the same animal species, but above all between different species and classes. Furthermore, the explosion of research activity in this field has led to the identification of numerous endogenous naturally occurring peptides that act as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators or trophic factors that act as mediators of nervous system functions.

Original manuscripts, review articles, and short communications and comments on neuropeptides in animals of veterinary interest are invited in this Special Issue. Multidisciplinary works will be prioritized.

Dr. Lucianna Maruccio
Prof. Dr. Carla Lucini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • neuropeptides
  • neurotransmitters
  • trophic factors
  • vertebrates

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

19 pages, 1918 KiB  
Article
Study on NGF and VEGF during the Equine Perinatal Period—Part 2: Foals Affected by Neonatal Encephalopathy
by Nicola Ellero, Aliai Lanci, Vito Antonio Baldassarro, Giuseppe Alastra, Jole Mariella, Maura Cescatti, Carolina Castagnetti and Luciana Giardino
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(9), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090459 - 26 Aug 2022
Viewed by 2386
Abstract
Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) may be caused by hypoxic ischemic insults or inflammatory insults and modified by innate protective or excitatory mechanisms. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is important in formulating a rational approach to diagnosis. The preliminary aim was to clinically characterize a population [...] Read more.
Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) may be caused by hypoxic ischemic insults or inflammatory insults and modified by innate protective or excitatory mechanisms. Understanding the underlying pathophysiology is important in formulating a rational approach to diagnosis. The preliminary aim was to clinically characterize a population of foals spontaneously affected by NE. The study aimed to: (i) evaluate nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in plasma samples obtained in the affected population at parturition from the mare’s jugular vein, umbilical cord vein and foal’s jugular vein, as well as in amniotic fluid; (ii) evaluate the NGF and VEGF content in the plasma of foals affected by NE during the first 72 h of life/hospitalization; (iii) evaluate NGF and VEGF levels at birth/admission in relation to selected mare’s and foal’s clinical parameters; (iv) evaluate the relationship between the two trophic factors and thyroid hormone levels (TT3 and TT4) in the first 72 h of life/hospitalization; and (v) assess the mRNA expression of NGF, VEGF and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and their cell surface receptors, in the placenta of mares that delivered foals affected by NE. Thirteen affected foals born from mares hospitalized for peripartum monitoring (group NE) and twenty affected foals hospitalized after birth (group exNE) were included in the study. Dosage of NGF and VEGF levels was performed using commercial ELISA kits, whereas NGF, VEGF, and BDNF placental gene expression was performed using a semi-quantitative real-time PCR. In group NE, NGF levels decreased significantly from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0447) and VEGF levels decreased significantly from T0 to T72 (p = 0.0234), whereas in group exNE, only NGF levels decreased significantly from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0304). Compared to healthy foals, a significant reduction of TT3 levels was observed in both NE (T24, p = 0.0066; T72 p = 0.0003) and exNE (T0, p = 0.0082; T24, p < 0.0001; T72, p < 0.0001) groups, whereas a significant reduction of TT4 levels was observed only in exNE group (T0, p = 0.0003; T24, p = 0.0010; T72, p = 0.0110). In group NE, NGF levels were positively correlated with both TT3 (p = 0.0475; r = 0.3424) and TT4 levels (p = 0.0063; r = 0.4589). In the placenta, a reduced expression of NGF in the allantois (p = 0.0033) and a reduced expression of BDNF in the amnion (p = 0.0498) were observed. The less pronounced decrease of the two trophic factors compared to healthy foals, their relationship with thyroid hormones over time, and the reduced expression of NGF and BDNF in placental tissues of mares that delivered affected foals, could be key regulators in the mechanisms of equine NE. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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14 pages, 1399 KiB  
Article
Study on NGF and VEGF during the Equine Perinatal Period—Part 1: Healthy Foals Born from Normal Pregnancy and Parturition
by Nicola Ellero, Aliai Lanci, Vito Antonio Baldassarro, Giuseppe Alastra, Jole Mariella, Maura Cescatti, Luciana Giardino and Carolina Castagnetti
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(9), 451; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090451 - 23 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2489
Abstract
The importance of trophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during the perinatal period, is now emerging. Through their functional activities of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, they play a key role in the [...] Read more.
The importance of trophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during the perinatal period, is now emerging. Through their functional activities of neurogenesis and angiogenesis, they play a key role in the final maturation of the nervous and vascular systems. The present study aims to: (i) evaluate the NGF and VEGF levels obtained at parturition from the mare, foal and umbilical cord vein plasma, as well as in amniotic fluid; (ii) evaluate NGF and VEGF content in the plasma of healthy foals during the first 72 h of life (T0, T24 and T72); (iii) evaluate NGF and VEGF levels at parturition in relation to the selected mares’ and foals’ clinical parameters; (iv) evaluate the relationship between the two trophic factors and the thyroid hormone levels (TT3 and TT4) in the first 72 h of life; (v) assess mRNA expression of NGF, VEGF and BDNF and their cell surface receptors in the placenta. Fourteen Standardbred healthy foals born from mares with normal pregnancies and parturitions were included in the study. The dosage of NGF and VEGF levels was performed using commercial ELISA kits, whereas NGF, VEGF and BDNF placental gene expression was performed using semi-quantitative real-time PCR. In foal plasma, both NGF and VEGF levels decreased significantly over time, from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0066 for NGF; p < 0.0001 for VEGF) and from T0 to T72 (p = 0.0179 for NGF; p = 0.0016 for VEGF). In foal serum, TT3 levels increased significantly over time from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0058) and from T0 to T72 (p = 0.0013), whereas TT4 levels decreased significantly over time from T0 to T24 (p = 0.0201) and from T0 to T72 (p < 0.0001). A positive correlation was found in the levels of NGF and VEGF in foal plasma at each time point (p = 0.0115; r = 0.2862). A positive correlation was found between NGF levels in the foal plasma at T0 and lactate (p = 0.0359; r = 0.5634) as well as between VEGF levels in the foal plasma at T0 and creatine kinase (p = 0.0459; r = 0.5407). VEGF was expressed in all fetal membranes, whereas NGF and its receptors were not expressed in the amnion. The close relationship between the two trophic factors in foal plasma over time and their fine expression in placental tissues appear to be key regulators of fetal development and adaptation to extra-uterine life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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16 pages, 8718 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Expression of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Adult Zebrafish Kidney
by Pietro Cacialli and Carla Lucini
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(6), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9060296 - 15 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2184
Abstract
Neurotrophins and their receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal populations. Different reports have shown that all neurotrophin/receptor pathways can also play a role in several non-neuronal tissues in vertebrates, including the kidney. These signaling pathways are involved in different [...] Read more.
Neurotrophins and their receptors are involved in the development and maintenance of neuronal populations. Different reports have shown that all neurotrophin/receptor pathways can also play a role in several non-neuronal tissues in vertebrates, including the kidney. These signaling pathways are involved in different events to ensure the correct functioning of the kidney, such as growth, differentiation, and regulation of renal tubule transport. Previous studies in some fish species have identified the neurotrophins and receptors in the kidney. In this study, for the first time, we compare the expression profiles (mRNA and protein) of all neurotrophin/receptor pathways in the kidney of the adult zebrafish. We quantify the levels of mRNA by using qPCR and identify the expression pattern of each neurotrophin/receptor pathway by in situ hybridization. Next, we detect the proteins using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Our results show that among all neurotrophins analyzed, NT-3/TrkC is the most expressed in the glomerule and tubule and in the hematopoietic cells, similar to what has been reported in the mammalian kidney. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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13 pages, 647 KiB  
Article
Changes in Neuropeptide Prohormone Genes among Cetartiodactyla Livestock and Wild Species Associated with Evolution and Domestication
by Bruce R. Southey and Sandra L. Rodriguez-Zas
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(5), 247; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050247 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2005
Abstract
The impact of evolution and domestication processes on the sequences of neuropeptide prohormone genes that participate in cell–cell signaling influences multiple biological process that involve neuropeptide signaling. This information is important to understand the physiological differences between Cetartiodactyla domesticated species such as cow, [...] Read more.
The impact of evolution and domestication processes on the sequences of neuropeptide prohormone genes that participate in cell–cell signaling influences multiple biological process that involve neuropeptide signaling. This information is important to understand the physiological differences between Cetartiodactyla domesticated species such as cow, pig, and llama and wild species such as hippopotamus, giraffes, and whales. Systematic analysis of changes associated with evolutionary and domestication forces in neuropeptide prohormone protein sequences that are processed into neuropeptides was undertaken. The genomes from 118 Cetartiodactyla genomes representing 22 families were mined for 98 neuropeptide prohormone genes. Compared to other Cetartiodactyla suborders, Ruminantia preserved PYY2 and lost RLN1. Changes in GNRH2, IAPP, INSL6, POMC, PRLH, and TAC4 protein sequences could result in the loss of some bioactive neuropeptides in some families. An evolutionary model suggested that most neuropeptide prohormone genes disfavor sequence changes that incorporate large and hydrophobic amino acids. A compelling finding was that differences between domestic and wild species are associated with the molecular system underlying ‘fight or flight’ responses. Overall, the results demonstrate the importance of simultaneously comparing the neuropeptide prohormone gene complement from close and distant-related species. These findings broaden the foundation for empirical studies about the function of the neuropeptidome associated with health, behavior, and food production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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14 pages, 8046 KiB  
Article
Expression of Nerve Growth Factor and Its Receptor TrkA in the Reproductive System of Adult Zebrafish
by Pietro Cacialli
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(5), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050225 - 06 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2932
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has emerged as an active mediator in different crucial events in the peripheral and central nervous system. At the same time, several studies showed that this neurotrophin can also play a role in [...] Read more.
Nerve growth factor (NGF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has emerged as an active mediator in different crucial events in the peripheral and central nervous system. At the same time, several studies showed that this neurotrophin can also play a role in non-neuronal tissues (e.g., among gonads). In spite of a large number of studies present in mammals, investigations devoted to NGF and its receptor TrkA in the reproductive system of other animal models, such as teleost fish, are scarce. To increase our knowledge of NGF and its receptor in a vertebrate gonads model, the present report describes the expression patterns of ngf and trka mRNA in the testis and ovary of adult zebrafish. By using chromogenic and fluorescence in situ hybridization, we demonstrate that in the testis of adult zebrafish, ngf and its receptor trka are mainly expressed in spermatogony B and spermatocytes. In the ovary of this fish, ngf and trka are expressed at different stages of oocyte development. Altogether, these results show that this neurotrophin and its receptor have an important role in the reproductive system that is conserved during vertebrate evolution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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Review

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18 pages, 1775 KiB  
Review
Avian Neuropeptide Y: Beyond Feed Intake Regulation
by Elizabeth S. Greene, Nedra Abdelli, Jalila S. Dridi and Sami Dridi
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(4), 171; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9040171 - 01 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3512
Abstract
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed neuropeptides in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and its regulatory effects on feed intake and appetite- have been extensively studied in a wide variety of animals, including mammalian and [...] Read more.
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed neuropeptides in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and its regulatory effects on feed intake and appetite- have been extensively studied in a wide variety of animals, including mammalian and non-mammalian species. Indeed, NPY has been shown to be involved in the regulation of feed intake and energy homeostasis by exerting stimulatory effects on appetite and feeding behavior in several species including chickens, rabbits, rats and mouse. More recent studies have shown that this neuropeptide and its receptors are expressed in various peripheral tissues, including the thyroid, heart, spleen, adrenal glands, white adipose tissue, muscle and bone. Although well researched centrally, studies investigating the distribution and function of peripherally expressed NPY in avian (non-mammalian vertebrates) species are very limited. Thus, peripherally expressed NPY merits more consideration and further in-depth exploration to fully elucidate its functions, especially in non-mammalian species. The aim of the current review is to provide an integrated synopsis of both centrally and peripherally expressed NPY, with a special focus on the distribution and function of the latter. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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12 pages, 7190 KiB  
Review
Avian Orexin: Feed Intake Regulator or Something Else?
by Alison Ramser and Sami Dridi
Vet. Sci. 2022, 9(3), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9030112 - 03 Mar 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4406
Abstract
Originally named for its expression in the posterior hypothalamus in rats and after the Greek word for “appetite”, hypocretin, or orexin, as it is known today, gained notoriety as a neuropeptide regulating feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, and sleep. Orexin has been proven to [...] Read more.
Originally named for its expression in the posterior hypothalamus in rats and after the Greek word for “appetite”, hypocretin, or orexin, as it is known today, gained notoriety as a neuropeptide regulating feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, and sleep. Orexin has been proven to be involved in both central and peripheral control of neuroendocrine functions, energy balance, and metabolism. Since its discovery, its ability to increase appetite as well as regulate feeding behavior has been widely explored in mammalian food production animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. It is also linked to neurological disorders, leading to its intensive investigation in humans regarding narcolepsy, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, in non-mammalian species, research is limited. In the case of avian species, orexin has been shown to have no central effect on feed-intake, however it was found to be involved in muscle energy metabolism and hepatic lipogenesis. This review provides current knowledge and summarizes orexin’s physiological roles in livestock and pinpoints the present lacuna to facilitate further investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuropeptides: Role and Function in Species of Veterinary Interest)
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