UROTENSIN-II

Description

A neuropeptide isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish with a potent vasoconstrictor activity, urotensin II exerts behavioral effects and regulates cardiovascular, renal, and immune functions. Urotensin II (UII) was originally isolated from the urophysis of the goby fish (Gillichthys mirabilis) in 1980, on the basis of its ability to contract smooth muscles. A paralog, called the UII-related peptide (URP), was identified from the rat brain in 2003. UII has been identified in all vertebrate species, from lampreys to mammals. URP exists in tetrapods and teleosts, but has not been reported in other vertebrate classes. URP1 and URP2, a teleost counterpart of mammalian URP, have been characterized in teleosts. Both URP1 and URP2 are absent in tetrapods.