title: [The neurotransmitter, hypocretin. An overview].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Neurologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich. christian.baumann@usz.ch
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Baumann
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bassetti
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; C000596229:HCRT protein, human; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D000068797:Orexins