[The neurotransmitter, hypocretin. An overview].
Hypocretins (orexins) are recently discovered excitatory neuropeptides produced only in the posterolateral hypothalamus. These neurotransmitters play a key role in sleep-waking regulation. In patients with narcolepsy and cataplexy, hypocretin neurotransmission is deficient, as demonstrated by low or undetectable levels of hypocretin-1 in the cerebrospinal fluid. The etiology of this deficiency is not clear. In most patients with other hypersomnolent syndromes or sleep-waking disturbances, hypocretin neurotransmission is normal. Other functions of the hypocretins include the regulation of food intake and of neuroendocrine mechanisms.
Baumann
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Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich. christian.baumann@usz.ch
Bassetti
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D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006970:Disorders of Excessive Somnolence / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism*; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D000068797:Orexins; D012890:Sleep; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000378:metabolism*; D014851:Wakefulness
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C000596229:HCRT protein, human; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000068797:Orexins