A decade of changing perceptions about neuropeptides.
The last decade has seen rapid growth in research with neuropeptides. During this time, we have been actively developing several concepts including the highly controversial one that peptides can cross the blood-brain barrier in intact form. One of the endogenous brain peptides used as a prototype for that concept, Tyr-MIF-1, also was used for the concept of the existence of endogenous antiopiate neuropeptides. As has been true for most novel developments in science, these concepts, as well as some older ones, were met with a great deal of skepticism when first suggested. Eventually, however, amnesia concerning the difficulties initially encountered with the introduction of new concepts occurs, with their subsequent "rediscovery" made easier.
Veterans Administration Medical Center, University of New Orleans, Louisiana.
A J
AJ
Kastin
W A
WA
Banks
J E
JE
Zadina
D000818:Animals; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier; D004723:Endorphins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000266:history*
D004723:Endorphins; D009479:Neuropeptides