This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. In recent years there has been increasing interest and, subsequently, active research in neuropeptides. These neuroactive molecules coordinate, integrate, and regulate physiological processes in all organisms, throughout all phases of development. Acting as neurohormones, neurotransmitters, and/or neuromodulators, they maintain physiological homeostasis and influence important behavioral patterns. This textbook is the first to bring together and synthesize the neuropeptide research of the past decade in such a comprehensive, scholarly manner. The book is divided into two parts. In Part I the author defines the basic principles of neuropeptide action, including their biosynthesis, processing, transport, distribution, and interactions with receptors and second messenger systems. Strand also discusses the intimate interaction between the neuropeptides, stress, and the immune system. In Part II she discusses the regulatory functions of the families of neuropeptide in sufficient detail to provide both the advanced student and senior investigator with a thorough understanding of the most important neuropeptides. The text also contains a complete and up-to-date reference/reading list.

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The explosion of research activity in the field of neuropeptides has led to the idenfication of numerous naturally occurring endogenous peptides which act as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, or trophic factors, to mediate nervous system functions. Increasing numbers of non-peptide ligands of neuropeptide receptors have been developed, which act as agonists or antagonists in peptidergic systems. The scope of this book includes gene regulation of peptide expression, peptide receptor subtypes, transgenic and knockout mice with mutations in genes for neuropeptides and peptide receptors, neuroanatomy, physiology, behaviour, neurotrophic factors, preclinical drug evaluation, clinical studies, and clinical trials.

The need to continually discover new agents for the control or treatment of invertebrate pests and pathogens is undeniable. Agriculture, both animal and plant, succeeds only to the extent that arthropod and helminth consumers, vectors and pathogens can be kept at bay. Humans and their companion animals are also plagued by invertebrate parasites. The deployment of chemical agents for these purposes inevitably elicits the selection of resistant populations of the targets of control, necessitating a regular introduction of new kinds of molecules. Experience in other areas of chemotherapy has shown that a thorough understanding of the biology of disease is an essential platform upon which to build a discovery program. Unfortunately, investment of research resources into understanding the basic physiology of invertebrates as a strategy to illuminate new molecular targets for pesticide and parasiticide discovery has been scarce, and the pace of introduction of new molecules for these indications has been slowed as a result. An exciting and so far unexploited area to explore in this regard is invertebrate neuropeptide physiology. This book was assembled to focus attention on this promising field by compiling a comprehensive review of recent research on neuropeptides in arthropods and helminths, with contributions from many of the leading laboratories working on these systems.

Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 13: Neuropeptide Analogs, Conjugates, and Fragments covers the synthesis and characterization of peptide analogs, conjugates, and fragments, their use as ligands for receptors, and their role in the development and use of antisera. The book discusses techniques such as novel synthetic approaches; biotinylation; purification and characterization; radioligand techniques and assay development; use of agonists and antagonists; distinguishing receptor subtypes; conjugation to carrier proteins; antiidiotypic antibody development; and radiolabeling. Neuroscientists, biochemists, neurochemists, and pharmacologists will find the book useful.

First published in 1991: This book assimilates and evaluates the rapidly accumulating information regarding neuropeptides in the gut, their chemistry; genetic control; processing in enteric nerves; the projections of their nerves; their actions at the tissue, cell, and molecular levels; and their roles in controlling gut motility in health and disease. Neuropeptide Function in the Gastrointestinal Tract is directed to scientists in all disciplines who work with neuropeptides, as well as physiologists interested in the neural and smooth muscle actions of neuropeptides.

The human genome encompasses ˜ 860 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) including 374 non-chemosensory GPCRs. Half of these latter GPCRs recognize (neuro)peptides as natural ligands. GPCRs thus play a pivotal role in neuroendocrine communication. In particular, GPCRs are involved in the neuroendocrine control of feeding behavior, reproduction, growth, hydromineral homeostasis and stress response. GPCRs are also major drug targets and hence possess a strong potential for the development of innovative pharmaceuticals. The aim of this Research Topic was to assemble a series of review articles and original research papers on neuropeptide GPCRs and their ligands that would illustrate the different facets of the studies currently conducted in this domain.

As early as in the twenties and thirties of our century Ernst Scharrer published papers suggesting, on the basis of morphological findings, that the brain exhibits secretory function which he called neurosecretion. Only a few decades later Scharrer's presumption was fully confirmed by the isolation of a number of neuropeptides and by the disclosure of their chemical stuctures. Neuropeptide research is one of the most rapidly expanding fields in biomedicin. Initially investigators focused their attention on the existence and role of neuropeptides within the hypothalamo-hypophyseal system. This particular area of research still provides plenty of interesting and fruitful findings. Neuropeptides -including those which were discovered as "hypothalamic" hormones can also be detected in other parts of the brain and even in peripheral organs. In fact, several neuropeptides were found to be synthesized not only by neurones but also by non-neuronal cells. These observations imply much wider functional relevance of neuropeptides than it had been supposed initially. It appears from present day knowledge, that neuropeptides are not only involved in neurotransmission and in the control of pituitary function but also in direct regulation of numerous peripheral biological processes, including reproduction, digestion, immune functions, and even cell growth. This volume includes the invited papers of the Symposium on "Progress in Neuropeptide Research" wh ich was held in Looz/Poland on September 8-10,1988. Topics ofthe symposium reflect upon newly discovered peptides, new localizations, new functions, and new technical approaches.

The first authoritative guide to the application of this vital analytical technique Mass spectrometry is a powerful analytical technique that is used to identify unknown compounds, to quantify known materials, and to elucidate the structural and chemical properties of molecules. In analyzing the effects of experimental drugs on the brain, it is the sole technique for identifying the presence and structure of neuropeptides-substances that indicate the effect of the drug. Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques in Neuropeptide Research specifically explains how to apply the technology to this process. Because the book is written by mass spectrometry users, as opposed to mass spectrometrists, the focus remains on practical applications of the technique. The authors demonstrate how mass spectrometry works, how to apply the technique to research, which types of instrumentation should be used for particular requirements, and how to plan experiments. Readers will learn why mass spectrometry provides more outcome features than other techniques in neuropeptide analysis, including simultaneous detection, identification of substances present in mixtures, and sequence information even when the residues are modified, blocked, or unusual. Among the chapters in this comprehensive text are: * Sequencing of Peptides by Nanospray Mass Spectrometry * Laser-Machined Microdevices for Mass Spectrometry * Electron Capture Dissociation of Peptides * Synthesis of Combinatorial Peptide Libraries * Analysis of Tissues That Reflect Nervous System Disease Doctoral students, researchers, and industry professionals in pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry/biotechnology, and medicine will find Mass Spectrometry and Hyphenated Techniques in Neuropeptide Research to be an indispensable starting point for understanding peptides, their function, and identification.

In this work, the authors integrate three major basic themes of neuroscience to serve as an introduction and review of the subject.