The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family that activates a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system.[8] Binding and pharmacological studies demonstrate that this receptor binds Neurotensin (NT) as well as several other ligands already described for Neurotensin receptor 1. NT function is known to be a neuromodulator of dopamine and has hypothermic and analgesic properties in the brain and some peripheral organ function as well.[9] NTS2 is found mostly in the brain through Northern-blot analysis.[9]Unlike NTS1, NTS2 has a low affinity with NT and a high sensitivity to levocabastine, an antihistamine, which competes with NT for binding.[9]
^Vita N, Oury-Donat F, Chalon P, Guillemot M, Kaghad M, Bachy A, Thurneyssen O, Garcia S, Poinot-Chazel C, Casellas P, Keane P, Le Fur G, Maffrand JP, Soubrie P, Caput D, Ferrara P (Nov 1998). "Neurotensin is an antagonist of the human neurotensin NT2 receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells". European Journal of Pharmacology. 360 (2–3): 265–72. doi:10.1016/S0014-2999(98)00678-5. PMID9851594.
Bourcier T, Rondeau N, Paquet S, Forgez P, Lombet A, Pouzaud F, Rostène W, Borderie V, Laroche L (Jun 2002). "Expression of neurotensin receptors in human corneal keratocytes". Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 43 (6): 1765–71. PMID12036977.
Leyton J, Garcia-Marin L, Jensen RT, Moody TW (May 2002). "Neurotensin causes tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in lung cancer cells". European Journal of Pharmacology. 442 (3): 179–86. doi:10.1016/S0014-2999(02)01539-X. PMID12065070.
Somaï S, Gompel A, Rostène W, Forgez P (Jul 2002). "Neurotensin counteracts apoptosis in breast cancer cells". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 295 (2): 482–8. doi:10.1016/S0006-291X(02)00703-9. PMID12150975.
"Neurotensin Receptors: NTS2". IUPHAR Database of Receptors and Ion Channels. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2008-12-05.
