Structure-activity studies on neurobehavioral effects of bombesin (BB) and gastrin releasing peptide (GRP).

In the present study, we evaluated and compared effects of BB, GRP and related C-terminal fragments on body temperature and grooming. Peptides were administered into the left cerebral ventricle of rats. Body temperature and grooming behavior were assessed over a 2 hr period following injections. All peptides significantly decreased body temperature and increased grooming behavior of animals. However, important differences in potency, efficacy and duration of action were found between BB, GRP and their fragments.