Hypocretins
Subtitle: Integrators of Physiological Signals
Contributors: Luis de Lecea (Editor); J. Gregor Sutcliffe (Editor)
Publisher: Springer
Published: September 29, 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 439
ISBN-13: 9780387250007
Description: The hypocretins (orexins) are a newly identified (1998) peptide family comprised of two peptides, hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2. Recent observations suggest an involvement of these peptides, located primarily in the hypothalmus, in the regulation of behavioral state. They are involved in circadian rhythms, metabolism, hormone secretion, body temperature, appetite, cardiovascular functions (e.g., blood pressure), and sleep abnormalities (e.g., narcolepsy and cataplexy).