Plays a regulatory role in the organization of neuroendocrine signals accessing the anterior pituitary gland. Stimulates water drinking and food intake. May play a role in the hypothalamic response to stress (By similarity). NPW23 activates GPR7 and GPR8 more efficiently than NPW30.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Detected in cerebrospinal fluid and urine (at protein level) ( ). Detected at high levels in the substantia nigra, fetal kidney and trachea; at lower levels in testis, uterus, ovary and placenta. Not detectable in many regions of the central nervous system. Also detected at high levels in lymphoblastic leukemia and colorectal adenocarcinoma.