title: The role of neuropeptides in regulating airway function. Postsecretory metabolism of peptides.
abstract: Peptide hormones and neurotransmitters play an essential role in regulation of cellular metabolism. Once released from an endocrine cell or nerve ending, peptides encounter membrane-bound and soluble peptidases. The peptidases inactivate peptides or form fragments with novel biologic activity. Therefore, peptidases must play a major role in homeostatic control, but this aspect of regulation has been a neglected area. This review examines the postsecretory metabolism of biologically active peptides in the brain and alimentary tract, 2 organs in which peptide regulation is of crucial importance.
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D004745:Enkephalins / Q000378:metabolism; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D015260:Neprilysin; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism*; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / Q000378:metabolism; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D004745:Enkephalins; D005768:Gastrointestinal Hormones; D009479:Neuropeptides; D013373:Substance P; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases; D007703:Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases; D015260:Neprilysin