Abstract: Neuropeptide S (NPS), a new peptide possessing 20 amino acid residues, is one of the most recent examples of a neurotransmitter identified by the orphan receptor strategy. NPS selectively binds and activates an orphan G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), named NPS receptor (NPSR). NPS and NPSR mRNA are expressed in the brain regions, such as locus coeruleus (LC), lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN), dorsal medial nucleus of thalamus, hypothalamus and amygdaloid nucleus. NPS induces behavioral arousal and promotes wakefulness by suppressing all stages of sleep. Further studies about effect of the NPS system in sleep and wake might help to discover a potential target for pharmacological treatment of sleep disorders.

Key words: Neuropeptides, Receptors, neuropeptide, Sleep disorders, Review

摘要： 神经肽S 是近年新发现的一种神经肽，其神经元主要分布于蓝斑、外侧臂旁核，并在丘脑背内侧核、下丘脑和杏仁核也有分散表达。神经肽S 通过与其特异性受体神经肽S 受体相结合而发挥生理作用，调节睡眠-觉醒系统、促觉醒、改善认知功能、抗焦虑等。进一步研究神经肽S 在睡眠-觉醒调节中的作用，使其作为药物治疗的新靶点，可为睡眠障碍等疾病的治疗提供新的研究方向。

关键词: 神经肽类, 受体, 神经肽, 睡眠障碍, 综述