[Vasopressin and oxytocin as neuromediators].

Archives internationales de physiologie et de biochimie
J J Dreifuss

Abstract

Vasopressin and oxytocin are peptide hormones which act on a variety of target organs, including kidney, smooth muscle, liver, and anterior pituitary. During the last decade, it has become apparent that these two neuropeptides may in addition act as neurotransmitters. We review a number of arguments which support this conjecture: 1) Vasopressin and oxytocin are not only synthesized in hypothalamoneurohypophysial neurones, but also in other--hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic--cell bodies whose axon projects to the limbic system, the brainstem and the spinal cord. 2) Vasopressin and oxytocin can be shed from central axons by the same secretory mechanism as are classical neurotransmitters. 3) Specific binding sites having a high affinity for vasopressin and/or oxytocin are present in the central nervous system. These binding sites represent functional receptors, because agonist binding leads to an increase in membrane phosphatidylinositol turnover. 4) Receptors, or at least part of them, are localized on neurones, since application of exogenous vasopressin and oxytocin alters the rate of firing of single neurones present in regions where binding sites have been detected autoradiographically. 5) Central vasopressin and oxytocin ma...Continue Reading

References

Aug 1, 1978·The Journal of Cell Biology·D T TheodosisL Orci
Feb 21, 1975·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·J J Dreifuss
Dec 1, 1988·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·C Van RenterghemM Lazdunski
Jan 1, 1989·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M RaggenbassJ J Dreifuss
Mar 1, 1988·European Journal of Pharmacology·J ElandsW H Sawyer
Nov 1, 1987·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M RaggenbassJ J Dreifuss
Jul 1, 1986·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M KiralyJ J Dreifuss
Aug 30, 1988·Brain Research·M RaggenbassJ J Dreifuss
Jun 1, 1987·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M RaggenbassJ J Dreifuss
Jun 1, 1987·The Journal of Physiology·K E CooperW L Veale
Apr 22, 1982·Nature·M MühlethalerB H Gähwiler
Nov 1, 1983·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M MühlethalerJ J Dreifuss
Apr 1, 1984·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·R Ivell, D Richter
Dec 2, 1982·Brain Research·R M Buijs, J J Van Heerikhuize
Jun 1, 1956·Science·V DU VIGNEAUD

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Amygdala: Sensory Processes

Amygdalae, nuclei clusters located in the temporal lobe of the brain, play a role in memory, emotional responses, and decision-making. Here is the latest research on sensory processes in the amygdala.

Aphasia

Aphasia affects the ability to process language, including formulation and comprehension of language and speech, as well as the ability to read or write. Here is the latest research on aphasia.