Orn8, Urotensin II, human

Urotensin II is a cyclic 11-amino acid peptide with sequence similarity to somatostatin-14. Urotensin II is a highly potent vasoconstrictor that has been identified as a ligand for the orphan receptor GPR14 which elicits potent vasoconstriction in primates. Intracerebroventricular urotensin II administration produces pressor and tachycardic responses. Urotensin II is localized to the medulla oblongata of the brain and the spinal cord in the central nervous system, but is also found in adrenal glands, kidney and spleen, suggesting neurohormonal or hormonal properties