Plays a role as a central modulator of cardiovascular and renal function and nociception. Also plays a role in energy metabolism and storage. Inhibits adrenocortical cell proliferation with minor stimulation on corticosteroid release (By similarity). Acts as a ligand for galanin receptors GALR2 and GALR3 (PubMed:17284679, PubMed:24517231). Intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide induces an increase in arterial blood pressure, a decrease in both heart rate and renal excretion and delayed natriuresis. Intraventricular administration of the peptide induces antinociceptive activity. Also induces contraction of muscarinic-like stomach smooth muscles. Intraperitoneal administration of the peptide induces a reduction in food consumption and body weight. Inhibits long chain fatty acid uptake into adipocytes (By similarity). Intracerebroventricular administration of the peptide induces a decrease in heart rate, but no change in arterial pressure, and an increase in urine flow rate. Intraventricular administration of the peptide induces antinociceptive activity (By similarity). Secreted via the classical ER/Golgi-dependent pathway into the extracellular medium largely as a full-length protein without the signal peptide, and not as a hydrolyzed and amidated peptide (PubMed:19193193 and PubMed:17284679). Localized extracellularly surrounding the villous trophoblastic cells. Detected in the serum. Expressed in the type I glomic cells within the carotid body (at protein level). Expressed predominantly in pancreas, testis, kidney, brain and placenta. Expressed in submucosal layer of esophagus and stomach fundus. Down-regulated in omental and subcutaneous fat of obese subjects. Belongs to the spexin family.