NPSR is Gq/Gs coupled, and its activation by NPS induces mobilization of Ca2+, stimulates cAMP synthesis, and increases cellular excitability (Meis et al., 2008; Reinscheid and Xu, 2005; Xu et al., 2004; Yoshida et al., 2010). In contrast to the anatomically restricted expression of the NPS transcript, NPSR is widely expressed in the brain, including olfactory regions, the amygdala complex, and other limbic structures (Leonard and Ring, 2011; Liu et al., 2011; Xu et al., 2007). The widespread distribution of the NPSR and its mRNA in the brain indicate that the NPS system may be important in regulating a variety of physiological functions.
