ISBN: 9780262284479 | 670 pp. | December 1998
Neuropeptides
Regulators of Physiological Processes
By Fleur L Strand
In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner.
The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.
Charles F. Stevens
I. General Characteristics of Neuropeptides
1. The Neuropeptide Concept and the Evolution of Neuropeptides
2. Methods of Studying Neuropeptides
3. Biosynthesis, Processing, Secretion, and inactivation of Neuropetides
4. Distribution and Localization of Neuropetides
5. The Neuroendocrine System and the Transport of Neuropeptides
6. Neuropeptide Receptors as Regulators of Cellular Functions
7. Neuropeptides as Neurotransmitters, Neuromodulators, and Neurohormones
8. Neuropeptides, Stress, and the Immune System
II. Neuropeptide Familes: The Regulatory Role of Neuropeptides
9. Characteristics of Hypothalamic Regulatory Neuropeptides
10. Hypophysiotropic Neuropeptides: TRH, CRH, GnRH, GHRH, SS, PACAP, DSIP
11. Hypothalamic-Neurohypophyseal Hormones: VP and OT
12. Anterior Pituitary Neuropeptides I. The POMC-Derived Neuropeptides: ACTH, MSH, b-LPH, b-EP
13. Anterior Pituitary Neuropeptides II. The Glycoprotein and Growth Hormone Families; Secretoneurin
14. Endogenous Opiate Neuropeptides: Endorphins, Enkephalins, Dynorphins, Tyr-MIF-1, and Nociceptin
15. Tachykinins: Substance P, Neurokinin A, and Neurokinin B
16. Gut and Brain Neuropeptides I. Neuropeptide Families: Gastrin/CCK; VIP/Secretin/ Glucagon; PP/PYY/NPY; BN/GRP
17. Gut and Brain Neuropeptides II. Insulin, Galanin, Motilin, CGRP, Neurotensin
18. Cardiac, Renal, Parathyroid, and Thyroid Neuropeptides: ANH, AT, CT, PTH, PRH-rP, T3, T4
19. Invertebrate Neuropeptides
References and Suggested Reading
Appendix A: Abbreviations for Neuropeptides
Appendix B: Miscellaneous Abbreviations
Appendix C: Code Letters for Amino Acids