Table 1 Main sources and major functions of serum neuropeptides.
Serum neuropeptide | Main sources | Major function |
|---|---|---|
α-MSH | Distal part of the pituitary gland and extra-glandular cells | Anti-inflammatory effect Anti-bacterial effect Contributes to innate immunity Suppressed food intake |
β-Endorphin (BE) | The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ArN), the anterior and neurointermediate lobes of the pituitary gland and the nucleus tractus solitaries | Analgesic effect Immunosuppressive effects Behavior Moderation Modifies the sleep–wakefulness cycle |
Neurotensin (NT) | The arcuate nucleus and parvocellular paraventricular nucleus | Stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, dopamine, growth inhibitory hormone and adrenocorticotropin-releasing hormone secretion |
Oxytocin (OT) | The supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus; extra-hypothalamic locations, including corpus luteum and suggestively, in adrenal tissue and testis | Enhances uterine contractions during labor, promotes lactation, inhibits steroid production, and stress response regulation |
Substance.P (S.P) | The substantia nigra, hypothalamus, limbic system, base of the IV ventricle, ganglion cell bodies, pituitary gland, pineal gland, dorsal horn of the spinal cord, posterior roots of the spinal nerves, and cutaneous nerves | Analgesic effect Neurogenic inflammatory reaction Involved in regulating sensation, movement, emotion |
