Galanin-like peptide: A role in the homeostatic regulation of energy balance?

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a neuropeptide that has been proposed to play a role in the regulation of food intake behaviour and body weight. However, the actions of GALP on energy balance are complex. In rats, it appears to impel both appetite stimulating and suppressing effects, whereas in mice, the only effect is a reduction in food intake. Thus, it is currently unclear whether GALP is important in the homeostatic regulation of energy balance, or if it produces effects on appetite and body weight by non-specific actions. This review discusses current evidence of the role of GALP with respect to energy balance, and the mechanisms involved in its regulation. We describe recent evidence that suggests that GALP may elicit differential effects in different rodent species. Furthermore, we provide an insight into a potential novel role for GALP in inflammation, and discuss how this may relate to the non-homeostatic regulation of energy balance.