Comparative Aspects of Neuropeptide Function

The discovery of endogenous opioid peptides in the mammalian brain has led to an explosive development of research into the structure, synthesis and functional role of neuropeptides. Partly as a consequence of new findings in this area, the concepts of neuronal function have undergone a major transformation as it is now recognized that neurons, by secreting certain neuropeptides, control the differentiation and growth of many kinds of cells, tissues and organs, and that neurohormones can initiate different kinds of behaviour. The discovery of peptide receptors in blood cells opens the area of neuroimmunology, and the discovery that haemocytes manufacture neuropeptides now adds a new dimension to our ideas about the control of brain function by the immune system. In view of the magnitude of current research in neuropeptides, this book has been written as an interdisciplinary synthesis, assessing current concepts and creating new perspectives. Unlike most other books covering specific aspects of neuropeptide structure and function, this collection of chapters provides a forum for exchange of knowledge across the whole spectrum.

Table of Contents:
Section headings and selected papers: Foreword. Introduction. General Aspects. Echiuroid Studies. Neurosecretion: the beginnings, A. M. Perks. Structures and actions of neuropeptides isolated from an echiuroid worm, Urechis unicinctus, T. Ikeda et al. Molluscan Studies. Peptide pharmacology on giant neurons of an African giant snail ( Achatina fulica Ferussac), H. Takeuchi et al. Distinct responses to opiate peptides and FMRFamide on B-neurons of the Aplysia cerebral ganglia, K. S. -Rozsa et al. Neuropeptides isolated from Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia) and Fusinus ferrugineus (Prosobranchia), Y. Fujisawa et al. Peptidergic neurons in the ageing molluscan brain, C. Janse et al. Evolutionary aspects of morphology and function of peptidergic systems, with particular reference to the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis , H. H. Boer et al. Arthropod Studies. Peptidergic modulation of synaptic transmission in locust skeletal muscle, C. Walther et al. Neurosecretory endings in the pericardial organs of the shore crab, Carcinus maenas L., and their identification by neuropeptide immunocytochemistry, H. Dircksen. Neuropeptides and neurotransmitters in the X-organ sinus gland complex, an important neuroendocrine integration centre in the eyestalk of Crustacea, F. van Herp & J. L. Kal;en. Vertebrate Studies. Purines: neuromodulators and metabolic regulators of bioreactivity in the nervous system, R. A. Barraco. Regulation by neuropeptides of amino acid transmitter release in mammalian brain and retina, M. H. Makman & J. F. Cub;lls. The interaction of posterior pituitary neuropeptides with dopamine in experimental drug addiction: the relevance of rodent models, G. L. Kovacs. Neuro-immunology. Neuropeptides and neuropeptide receptors in the immune system, E. M. Smith & E. W. Joh;son. Modulation of leukocyte migration by alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, D. E. van Epps & M. M. Mas;n.