title: Neuropeptide processing in pathophysiology.
abstract: Neuropeptides (peptides synthesized and secreted by neurons) perform many functions in the central nervous system as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and neurotrophic factors. Neuropeptides are important regulators of amine neurotransmitter release, and can be identified as playing important roles in several pathological states. Neuropeptides are synthesized as protein precursors that are processed enzymatically to yield the biologically active peptides. Many neuropeptides having defined roles are further processed enzymatically to yield fragments having totally different actions. Examples discussed are substance P, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, endorphins and vasopressin.
authors.affiliation: University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides