Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
04:00
Corneal Sensitivity Testing Procedure for Ophthalmologic and Optometric Patients
Published on: August 2, 2024
Peptidergic nerves in the eye, their source and potential pathophysiological relevance
Josef Troger1, Gerhard Kieselbach, Barbara Teuchner
1Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. josef.troger@uibk.ac.at <josef.troger@uibk.ac.at>
Brain Research Reviews
|July 29, 2006
Summary
Neuropeptides are vital signaling molecules found throughout the nervous system, including the eye. This review explores their roles in ocular tissues, excluding the retina, to understand their functional significance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Ophthalmology
- Peptide Biology
Background:
- Neuropeptides are conserved signaling molecules in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Substance P, a well-characterized neuropeptide, is found in sensory neurons innervating the eye.
- Other neuropeptides like CGRP, VIP, and NPY are also present in ocular tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge of neuropeptides in the eye, excluding the retina and retinal pigment epithelium.
- To elucidate the functional significance of these neuropeptides in ocular tissues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of neuropeptide research in the eye.
- Focus on neuropeptides beyond the retina and retinal pigment epithelium.
Main Results:
- Substance P plays a role in corneal wound healing and irritative responses.
- Neuropeptides mediate non-cholinergic, non-adrenergic muscle contractions.
- Various neuropeptides are distributed in ocular tissues, suggesting diverse functions.
Conclusions:
- Neuropeptides are crucial components of ocular neurobiology.
- Further research into non-retinal ocular neuropeptides is warranted to understand their full functional significance.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Cranial Part of Parasympathetic Division
The cranial part of the parasympathetic division plays a crucial role in regulating the visceral functions of the head and specific structures in the neck, thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities. Preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division exit the brain through cranial nerves III (oculomotor), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), and X (vagus), delivering parasympathetic output to the respective visceral structures.
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) alone accounts for approximately 75...
01:20Anatomy of the Eyeball
The eye is a spherical, hollow structure composed of three tissue layers. The outer layer — the fibrous tunic, comprises the sclera — a white structure — and the cornea, which is transparent. The sclera encompasses some of the ocular surface, most of which is not visible. However, the 'white of the eye' is distinctively visible in humans compared to other species. The cornea, a clear covering at the front of the eye, enables light penetration. The eye's middle layer, the vascular tunic,...
01:32The Retina
The retina is a layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transduces light into neural signals. This process, called phototransduction, is carried out by rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the back of the retina.
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
01:18Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering and cleaning blood, removing waste products, and regulating electrolyte levels. To perform these essential functions, they require a constant and robust blood supply.
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...