The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family that activates a phosphatidylinositol-calcium second messenger system.[7] 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.[8] NTS2 is found mostly in the brain through Northern-blot analysis.[8]Unlike NTS1, NTS2 has a low affinity with NT and a high sensitivity to levocabastine, an antihistamine, which competes with NT for binding.[8]
^Vita N, Oury-Donat F, Chalon P, Guillemot M, Kaghad M, Bachy A, et al. (November 1998). "Neurotensin is an antagonist of the human neurotensin NT2 receptor expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells". European Journal of Pharmacology. 360 (2–3): 265–272. doi:10.1016/S0014-2999(98)00678-5. PMID9851594.
Bourcier T, Rondeau N, Paquet S, Forgez P, Lombet A, Pouzaud F, et al. (June 2002). "Expression of neurotensin receptors in human corneal keratocytes". Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 43 (6): 1765–1771. 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): 179–186. doi:10.1016/S0014-2999(02)01539-X. PMID12065070.
Somaï S, Gompel A, Rostène W, Forgez P (July 2002). "Neurotensin counteracts apoptosis in breast cancer cells". Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 295 (2): 482–488. 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.