CENTRALLY ACTING PEPTIDES biological council symposium on drug action, 1977

in membrane potential or neuronal metabolism may have profound effects on overall neuronal activity (Schmitt et al. (1976) Science, 193, 114-20) and it seems viii Foreword likely that these concepts may aid our understanding of the behavioural effects of many centrally active peptides. The potential therapeutic benefits of neuropeptide research are as yet unknown although several possibilities are discussed by authors in this volume. It may be reasonable to assume that dysfunction of peptidergic neurons may have undesirable sequelae and that new approaches to the treatment of cerebral dysfunctions may soon be revealed. Future research is likely to lead to a deeper understanding of neuronal physiology with corresponding therapeutic benefits. Front Matter....Pages i-x Isolation and identification of biologically active peptides....Pages 1-15 Immunohistochemical localization of peptides in the nervous system....Pages 17-35 Are hypothalamic hormones central neurotransmitters?....Pages 37-47 Diffuse neuroendocrine system: peptides common to brain and intestine and their relationship to the APUD concept....Pages 49-57 Electrophysiological analysis of peptide actions in neural tissue....Pages 59-84 Comparative features of enkephalin and neurotensin in the mammalian central nervous system....Pages 85-97 Behavioural effects of hypothalamic peptides....Pages 99-118 Substance P: a historical account....Pages 119-134 Distribution and release of Substance P in the central nervous system....Pages 135-155 Endogenous opioid peptides: historical aspects....Pages 157-159 Physiological and clinical relevance of endorphins....Pages 161-178 Pharmacological and biochemical aspects of the enkephalins....Pages 179-193 Distribution and pharmacology of the enkephalins and related opiate peptides....Pages 195-213 Electrophysiological effects of opiates and opioid peptides....Pages 215-229 Biogenesis and metabolism of opiate active peptides....Pages 231-239 Behavioural effects of neuropeptides related to ß-LPH....Pages 241-251 Back Matter....Pages 253-259