The role of galanin in modulating stress-related neural pathways.

Galanin is a 29 or 30 amino acid peptide with a close anatomical and neurophysiological relationship with neural systems mediating stress. In rodent behavioral studies, the consequences of galanin activity on stress-related behaviors such as anxiety-like and depression-like behavior varies according to site of administration and behavioral assay used. However, galaninergic systems remain a promising novel target for new antianxiety and antidepressant drugs. Current work attempting to delineate which galanin receptor subtypes mediate which effects of galanin will undoubtedly inform the development of these drugs. Further, the well-established deleterious effects of galanin on cognitive function provide support for galanin as a novel link between stress, anxiety and memory. This link suggests that galaninergic drugs could provide a novel therapeutic option for psychopathologies, such as post-traumatic stress syndrome, in which abnormal memory and emotion are intertwined.