10 Peptides and Neuropeptides

<p>Another class of molecules with a hormone like nature are the intercellular messengers of the central nervous system, neuropeptides. There is increasing recognition that neuropeptides whose multiple roles in the nervous system are well established, play a role in the modulation of the immune response. Cells of the immune system, however, are not only capable of responding to neuropeptides, but also synthesize these substances. It has been shown by several authors that leukocytes produce and secrete peptide hormones such as endorphins, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), enkephalins, arginine vasopressin (AVP), prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone and Insulin like growth factors (IGF)</p>

<p>From:&nbsp;<a href="http://fblt.cz/en/skripta/regulacni-mechanismy-2-nervova-regulace/5-neurotransmisni-systemy/">4. Neurotransmitter Systems&nbsp;&bull; Functions of Cells and Human Body</a>
Peptides</p>

<p>Peptide neurotransmitters are synthesised on ribosome in the neuronal body and are then transported via axonal transport to the synaptic terminal.</p>

<p>It is often the case that a large precursor molecule is synthesised and then spliced into smaller peptides. One such example is pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which is spliced into several neuropeptides such as</p>

<p><strong>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&beta;-endorphin</strong></p>

<p><strong>2) MSH</strong>&nbsp;(<strong>melanocyte stimulating hormone</strong>)</p>

<p><strong>3) ACTH</strong>&nbsp;(<strong>adrenocorticotropic hormone</strong>)</p>

<p>The group of peptide neurotransmitters is large, here are some other examples:</p>

<p><strong>1)</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Opioid peptides</strong>:&nbsp;<strong>enkephalins</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>endorphins</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>dynorphin</strong></p>

<p><strong>2) Substance P</strong></p>

<p><strong>3) Neuropeptide Y</strong></p>

<p><strong>4) Somatostatin</strong></p>

<p><strong>5) Cholecystokinine</strong></p>