Ferguson Alastair V, Samson Willis K
Department of Physiology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Front Neuroendocrinol. 2003 Jul;24(3):141-50. doi: 10.1016/s0091-3022(03)00028-1.
The hypocretins/orexins are hypothalamic peptides most recognized for their significant effects on feeding and arousal. Indeed, loss of the peptides results in a cataplexy quite similar to that observed canine models of human narcolepsy. However, neurons producing these peptides project to numerous brain sites known to be important in neuroendocrine regulation of pituitary function and autonomic centers as well. Results from numerous laboratories have suggested broad physiological roles for the hypocretins/orexins in neuroendocrine and autonomic regulation as a consequence of actions in the dorsal vagal complex, paraventricular nucleus, and pituitary. This review focuses upon evidence for potential physiologic roles for the peptides in these sites.
下丘脑泌素/食欲素是下丘脑肽，因其对进食和觉醒有显著影响而最为人所知。事实上，这些肽的缺失会导致猝倒，这与人类发作性睡病的犬类模型中观察到的情况非常相似。然而，产生这些肽的神经元投射到许多已知在垂体功能的神经内分泌调节以及自主神经中枢中起重要作用的脑区。众多实验室的研究结果表明，由于下丘脑泌素/食欲素在迷走背核、室旁核和垂体中的作用，它们在神经内分泌和自主神经调节中具有广泛的生理作用。本综述重点关注这些肽在这些部位潜在生理作用的证据。
