The miracle of brain neuropeptides: Targeting the brain oxytocin system is a true treatment option in numerous psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia

摘要

Dozens of neuropeptides of the brain act in concertto regulate all aspects of behaviour and physiologicalfunctions, including modulatory effects onclassical neurotransmitter systems. For example, neuropeptidesare involved in the fine-tuned regulation ofemotional and social behaviours, with some of themexerting anxiolytic effects such as cholecystokinin-8(CCK-8), prolactin, neuropeptide Y, the recently discoveredneuropeptide S, as well as oxytocin, and othershaving opposite effects, thus increasing anxietylevels such as corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)or vasopressin. From an evolutionary point of view,both a certain level of anxiety and fear responsiveness(to avoid danger), as well as a certain degreeof risk taking behaviour (to discover food resourcesand mating partners), need to be in perfect balanceunderlining the important regulatory capacity of theseneuropeptides. In addition to emotional behaviours,various neuropeptides are key modulators of socialbehaviours closely linked to emotionality and, therefore,summarised as socio-emotional behaviours.