Plays a role as a central modulator of cardiovascular and renal function and nociception. Also plays a role in energy metabolism and storage. Inhibits adrenocortical cell proliferation with minor stimulation on corticosteroid release (By similarity).
Acts as a ligand for galanin receptors GALR2 and GALR3 (, ). Intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide induces an increase in arterial blood pressure, a decrease in both heart rate and renal excretion and delayed natriuresis. Intraventricular administration of the peptide induces antinociceptive activity. Also induces contraction of muscarinic-like stomach smooth muscles. Intraperitoneal administration of the peptide induces a reduction in food consumption and body weight. Inhibits long chain fatty acid uptake into adipocytes (By similarity).
Intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide induces a decrease in heart rate, but no change in arterial pressure, and an increase in urine flow rate. Intraventricular administration of the peptide induces antinociceptive activity (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Secreted, Extracellular space, Cytoplasmic vesicle, Secretory vesicle
Secreted via the classical ER/Golgi-dependent pathway into the extracellular medium largely as a full-length protein without the signal peptide, and not as a hydrolyzed and amidated peptide (, ). Localized extracellularly surrounding the villous trophoblastic cells. Detected in the serum.
Expressed in the type I glomic cells within the carotid body (at protein level). Expressed predominantly in pancreas, testis, kidney, brain and placenta. Expressed in submucosal layer of esophagus and stomach fundus.