New neuropeptides containing carboxy-terminal RFamide and their receptor in mammals

Only a few RFamide peptides have been identified in mammals, although they have been abundantly found in invertebrates. Here we report the identificat ion of a human gene that encodes at least three RFamide-related peptides, h RFRP-1-3. Cells transfected with a seven-transmembrane-domain receptor, 0T7 T022, specifically respond to synthetic hRFRP-1 and hRFRP-3 but not to hRFR P-2. RFRP and 0T7T022 mRNAs are expressed in particular regions of the rat hypothalamus, and intracerebroventricular administration of hRFRP-1 increas es prolactin secretion in rats. Our results indicate that a variety of RFam ide-related peptides may exist and function in mammals.