Galanin receptors

Galanin is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and the endocrine system. Three different galanin receptors exist, GalR1, GalR2, and GalR3, which are all G-protein-coupled receptors. Galanin receptors are highly expressed in hypothalamic nuclei and the brainstem as well as in peripheral tissues including the pancreas, heart, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Galanin receptors mediate a variety of physiological functions including inhibition of glucose-induced insulin secretion, stimulation of growth hormone release and modulation of gastrointestinal motility and also modulate neuronal functions including memory, nociception, spinal reflexes and feeding. 

Further reading

Branchek et al (2000). Galanin receptor subtypes. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 21(3) 109 PMID: 10689365

Lang et al (2007) The galanin peptide family: Receptor pharmacology, pleiotropic biological actions, and implications in health and disease, Pharmacology and Therapeutics 115(2) 177 PMID: 17604107

Kuteeva et al (2008). Galanin, galanin receptor subtypes and depression-like behaviour. Cell. Molecular Life Sciences. 65(12): 1854 PMID 18500640