Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides
Neuropeptides (/ˈnʊəroʊˈpiːptaɪdz/; from Greek νεῦρον neuron, "nerve" + πεπτίδια peptidia, "peptides") are small protein-like molecules (proteins) used by neurons to communicate with each other. They are neuronal signaling molecules that influence the activity of the brain and the body in specific ways.
Etymology
The term "neuropeptide" is derived from the combination of "neuro" from the Greek νεῦρον (neuron), meaning nerve, and "peptide" which comes from πεπτίδια (peptidia), meaning peptides.
Function
Neuropeptides are involved in a wide range of brain functions, including analgesia, reward, food intake, metabolism, reproduction, social behaviors, learning and memory. They are one of the most diverse classes of signaling molecules, acting as neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and neuromodulators.
Types of Neuropeptides
There are many different types of neuropeptides, but some of the most well-known include oxytocin, vasopressin, endorphins, and substance P. Each of these neuropeptides has a different function in the body and brain.
Related Terms
- Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance that is released at the end of a nerve fiber by the arrival of a nerve impulse and, by diffusing across the synapse or junction, causes the transfer of the impulse to another nerve fiber, a muscle fiber, or some other structure.
- Neurohormone: Any hormone produced and released by neurons.
- Neuromodulator: A type of neurotransmitter that alters the response of a neuron to other neurotransmitters.
- Oxytocin: A hormone that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is involved in childbirth and breastfeeding, but also in a wide variety of human behaviors, including sexual arousal, recognition, trust, anxiety, and mother-infant bonding.
- Vasopressin: A hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary gland, where it is released into the bloodstream. It plays a key role in maintaining the volume of water in the body and in the regulation of salt levels in the blood.
- Endorphin: Any of a group of hormones secreted within the brain and nervous system and having a number of physiological functions. They are peptides that activate the body's opiate receptors, causing an analgesic effect.
- Substance P: A neuropeptide that functions as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator. It is released from the terminals of specific sensory nerves and is found in the brain and spinal cord. It is involved in the transmission of pain impulses from peripheral receptors to the central nervous system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neuropeptides
- Wikipedia's article - Neuropeptides
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