neuropeptides
Neural signaling molecules
Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules that neurons use to communicate with each other.
Unlike faster-acting neurotransmitters, neuropeptides typically modulate brain activity over longer periods, influencing mood, pain perception, appetite, and social bonding.
Endorphins and oxytocin are well-known examples: Neuropeptides released during exercise contribute to the runner's high.
Body's innate pain blockers
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- substance PPain-signaling neuropeptide
- secretinIntestinal hormone prompting bicarbonate
Proteins binding specific molecules
- bindingLegally or morally required
- neurotransmissionNerve cell chemical communication
- neuromodulationAdjusting brain cell activity
- synapsesNeuron-to-neuron transmission points
release · vesicles · exocytosis · pathways · cascade · affinity · agonist · antagonist
Desire for food
- satietyState of being full
- moodPrevailing emotional condition
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
reward · pleasure · social bonding · memory · sleep · arousal · thermoregulation · blood pressure
Biological internal stability maintenance
- feedbackReturned response data
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
- activationSetting into operation
- modulationVarying signals to transmit
upregulation · downregulation · expression · degradation · clearance · phosphorylation · internalization · tolerance
Organic compounds forming proteins
- protein synthesisAssembling amino acid chains
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
- biosynthesisLiving production of molecules
sequence · precursor · prohormone · cleavage · proteolysis · residues · chain · substrate
endorphins
Body's innate pain blockers
- oxytocinBonding neurotransmitter from hypothalamus
- vasopressinFluid-conserving pituitary hormone
- substance PPain-signaling neuropeptide
receptors
Proteins binding specific molecules
- bindingLegally or morally required
- neurotransmissionNerve cell chemical communication
- neuromodulationAdjusting brain cell activity
synapses · release · vesicles · exocytosis · pathways · cascade · affinity · agonist · antagonist · ligand
appetite
Desire for food
anxiety · reward · pleasure · social bonding · memory · sleep · arousal · thermoregulation · blood pressure · inflammation
homeostasis
Biological internal stability maintenance
- feedbackReturned response data
- inhibitionMental check on behavior
- activationSetting into operation
modulation · upregulation · downregulation · expression · degradation · clearance · phosphorylation · internalization · tolerance · sensitization
amino acids
Organic compounds forming proteins
- protein synthesisAssembling amino acid chains
- ribosomeProtein synthesis site
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
biosynthesis · sequence · precursor · prohormone · cleavage · proteolysis · residues · chain · substrate · mass spectrometry
neuropeptidescatecholamines
Tyrosine-derived neurotransmitter class
dopamine · serotonin · acetylcholine · glutamate · GABA