Neuropeptide
Definition
A neuropeptide is a peptide that functions as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator within the nervous system, typically released from dense-core vesicles at synapses. Neuropeptides modulate pain perception, mood, appetite, social behavior, and neuroendocrine function. Research-relevant neuropeptides include oxytocin (social bonding), VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide), DSIP (sleep regulation), and the melanocortin peptides (PT-141, melanotan II) that act through CNS receptor systems.
Related Terms
Related Compounds
Oxytocin
Explore the science of oxytocin, the 9-amino-acid neuropeptide known for its roles in social behavior, wound healing, cardioprotection, and metabolic regulation. Comprehensive review of mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and clinical research.
Read monographVIP
An in-depth review of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide, a 28-amino acid neuropeptide, covering its mechanism of action, research applications in vasodilation, neuroprotection, immune modulation, circadian rhythm regulation, and respiratory function.
Read monographDSIP
A comprehensive review of Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP), a naturally occurring nonapeptide involved in sleep architecture modulation, circadian rhythm regulation, neuroendocrine function, stress adaptation, and antioxidant defense, including pharmacokinetics, safety profile, and dosing in research.
Read monographPT-141
An in-depth review of PT-141 (Bremelanotide), a cyclic melanocortin receptor agonist, covering its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, research applications in sexual function, melanocortin pharmacology, CNS-mediated arousal pathways, safety profile, and dosing in research models.
Read monographRelated Studies
Oxytocin and the neurobiology of prosocial behavior
Marsh N, Marsh AA, Lee MR, et al. · The Neuroscientist (2021)
Bremelanotide for the Treatment of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Two Randomized Phase 3 Trials (RECONNECT)
Kingsberg SA, Clayton AH, Portman D, et al. · Obstetrics and Gynecology (2019)
Exogenous and evoked oxytocin restores social behavior in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism
Peñagarikano O, Lázaro MT, Lu XH, et al. · Science Translational Medicine (2015)
Oxytocin, motivation and the role of dopamine
Love TM · Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior (2014)