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[Involvement of orexins/hypocretins in multiple physiological functions]
1Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan.
Journal of UOEH
|July 4, 2001
Summary
Orexins (orexin-A and orexin-B), also known as hypocretins, are peptides that regulate feeding and sleep. Deficiencies in orexins are linked to narcolepsy, suggesting a role in sleep disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
Context:
- Orexins (orexin-A/orexin-B) and hypocretins (hypocretin-1/hypocretin-2) are novel neuropeptides discovered in 1998.
- Orexin-producing neurons are primarily located in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), a known feeding center.
Purpose:
- To explore the role of orexins in regulating feeding and sleep.
- To investigate the connection between orexin system dysfunction and narcolepsy.
Summary:
- Central orexin administration stimulates feeding, identifying them as potent orexigenic peptides.
- Genetic defects in orexin receptors (narcoleptic dogs) and orexin knockout mice exhibit narcoleptic phenotypes.
- Hypocretin-1 is undetectable in most human narcolepsy patients, linking orexin deficiency to the disorder.
Impact:
- Orexins are implicated in both feeding and sleep regulation, despite their seemingly independent physiological roles.
- The discovery of orexins offers insights into the pathogenesis of feeding and sleep disorders.
- Orexin research may lead to the development of novel therapeutic agents for narcolepsy and other related conditions.