neuropeptide

American  

[noor-oh-pep-tahyd, nyoor-] / ˌnʊər oʊˈpɛp taɪd, ˌnyʊər- /

noun

1. any of various short-chain peptides, as endorphins, that function as neuromodulators in the nervous system and as hormones in the endocrine system.

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neuropeptide British  

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈpɛptaɪd /

noun

1. a peptide produced by neural tissue, esp one with hormonal activity

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Etymology

Origin of neuropeptide

First recorded in 1970–75; neuro- + peptide

Example Sentences

And could the effect of these be boosted by doses of the chemical messenger oxytocin, a neuropeptide that helps affectionate interactions make us feel better physically and emotionally?

From The Wall Street Journal

Expression of the alpha2delta1 receptor in sensory neurons increased as they over-secreted a neuropeptide called CGRP, all while communicating through synaptic transmission to the fat tissue -- which, in a state of dysregulation, drove up levels of a receptor protein that engaged with the CGRP.

From Science Daily

This circuit consists of specialized neurons that send and receive a neuropeptide -- a small protein that sends messages throughout the brain -- called PACAP.

From Science Daily

Interestingly, a similar increase was also observed in the levels of another stress neuropeptide closely related to PACAP, the calcitonin gene-related peptide, or CGRP.

From Science Daily

For her part, Raghanti agrees—which is why she wants to continue researching the significance of understudied neurotransmitters such as neuropeptide Y. “It’s not going to be just one neurotransmitter in one region explaining what makes humans human,” she says.

From Scientific American