Arginine vasopressin receptor 1B
Arginine vasopressin receptor 1B
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| Identifiers | |
| Symbol(s) | AVPR1B |
| Entrez | 553 |
| OMIM | 600264 |
| RefSeq | NM_000707 |
| UniProt | P47901 |
| Other data | |
| Locus | Chr. 1 q32 |
Arginine vasopressin receptor 1B (AVPR1B, vasopressin 3 receptor) is a protein that acts as receptor for arginine vasopressin. AVPR1B belongs to the subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors. Its activity is mediated by G proteins which stimulate a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system.
AVPR1B was initially described as a novel vasopressin receptor located in the anterior pituitary, where it stimulates ACTH release. Subsequent studies have shown its presence in the brain as well.
Inactivation of the Avpr1b in mice (knockout) produces mice with greatly reduced aggression. These mice also have a reduced ability to recognize recently investigated mice. There is evidence that social motivation or awareness is reduced in these mice. The AVPR1B antagonist, SSR149415, has been shown to have anti-aggressive actions in hamsters and anti-depressant- and anxiety (anxiolytic)-like behaviors in rats.
AVPR1B is expressed at high levels in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas as well as in bronchial carcinoids responsible for the ectopic ACTH syndrome.