Neuropeptides are a class of molecules that can modulate the activity of neurotransmitters to increase or decrease the strength of synaptic signalling. Different neuropeptides are involved in different brain functions such as reward, food intake, metabolism, reproduction, social behaviours, and learning. Peripherally, they function like peptide hormones and modulate many bodily functions.

What is the evidence for neuropeptides in people with PTSD?

Moderate quality evidence found a large effect of lower neuropeptide Y levels in people with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. This effect was also found in non-medicated samples.

High quality evidence found no significant differences in oxytocin levels between people with PTSD and controls.

August 2021

Image: ©Luka Čulig – stock.adobe.com

The post Neuropeptides appeared first on NeuRA Library.

Neuropeptides are a class of signalling molecules. They are protein-like molecules that are used by neurons to communicate with each other. Different neuropeptides are involved in different brain functions such as reward, food intake, metabolism, reproduction, social behaviours, and learning. For example, the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin have specific effects on social behaviours.

What is the evidence for neuropeptides in people with bipolar disorder?

Moderate to low quality evidence finds no differences in oxytocin or vasopressin between people with bipolar disorder and controls without bipolar disorder.

No other neuropeptides were assessed via systematic review.

December 2021

Image: ©Luka Čulig – stock.adobe.com

The post Neuropeptides appeared first on NeuRA Library.