Peptides as central regulators of feeding

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Physiology

Background:

• Growing recognition of peptides as crucial neuromodulators in the central nervous system.
• Peptides play significant roles in regulating complex physiological processes, including appetite and feeding behavior.
• Understanding the specific roles of different peptide families is essential for comprehending appetite regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current data on peptides as central regulators of food ingestion.
• To highlight potential non-specific effects when studying peptide actions.
• To identify peptide families that stimulate feeding behavior.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating peptide effects on food ingestion.
• Analysis of central injection data for various peptide families.
• Discussion of the role of corticotropin-releasing factor in mediating neurotransmitter effects on feeding.

Main Results:

• Many peptides decrease feeding upon central administration.
• Only the opioid and pancreatic polypeptide-neuropeptide Y families have been demonstrated to increase feeding after central injection.
• Corticotropin-releasing factor is proposed as a mediator for norepinephrine and serotonin effects on feeding.

Conclusions:

• Peptides are significant central regulators of food intake, with distinct families having opposing effects.
• The opioid and pancreatic polypeptide-neuropeptide Y families are unique in their ability to stimulate feeding.
• Further research is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms and potential non-specific effects of peptides in appetite regulation.