Abstract
The hypothalamus regulates diverse physiological functions, including the control of energy metabolism, circadian rhythms, stress and anxiety, sexual and reproductive behaviors. An overview of the most prevalent hypothalamus-enriched mRNAs revealed that this area of the brain specializes in producing intercellular signaling molecules. Two new secreted peptides derived from a single neuropeptide precursor, named hypocretins and orexins by two different groups, are synthesized in a small set of neurons in the perifornical area of the hypothalamus. Intracerebroventricular injection of the hypocretins/orexins increases food consumption in rats. Here we review recent progress in identifying the role of the hypocretins/orexins in the control of energy balance and in other physiological systems.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Carrier Proteins / chemistry
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
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Carrier Proteins / pharmacology
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Cloning, Molecular
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Energy Metabolism / drug effects
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Feeding Behavior / drug effects
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Humans
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Hypothalamus / cytology
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Hypothalamus / drug effects
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Hypothalamus / metabolism*
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins*
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Nerve Fibers / drug effects
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Nerve Fibers / metabolism
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Neuropeptides / chemistry
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Neuropeptides / genetics
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Neuropeptides / metabolism*
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Neuropeptides / pharmacology
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Neurotransmitter Agents / genetics
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Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism
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Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology
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Orexin Receptors
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Orexins
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Organ Specificity
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Receptors, Neuropeptide / metabolism
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Sequence Alignment
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Synaptic Vesicles / drug effects
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Synaptic Vesicles / metabolism
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Neuropeptides
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Neurotransmitter Agents
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Orexin Receptors
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Orexins
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Receptors, Neuropeptide