What does neuropeptide mean?
A neuropeptide is a short chain of amino acids that helps nerve cells communicate. It is released from neurons and acts on nearby or distant cells by binding to specific receptors, influencing processes such as mood, appetite, pain, stress, sleep, and reproduction. Neuropeptides differ from many other neurotransmitters because they consist of amino-acid chains rather than small chemical molecules, although the boundary between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators can depend on how and where a substance acts. Examples include substance P, involved in pain signalling, and oxytocin, associated with social behaviour, childbirth, and stress regulation. The word is mainly used in neuroscience, pharmacology, and medicine, where neuropeptide release, receptors, and signalling pathways are studied.
nounA peptide that acts as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator, released by nerve cells to transmit or modulate signals in the nervous system. Neuropeptides are chemically distinct from small-molecule neurotransmitters and commonly act on specific cell-surface receptors.
- A peptide neurotransmitter or neuromodulator produced within the nervous system.
"The neuropeptide oxytocin is involved in social bonding, childbirth, and the regulation of stress responses."
"The researchers measured neuropeptide levels in the participants' blood after the stressful task."
"Several neuropeptides help regulate appetite and energy balance in the hypothalamus."
The plural is used when referring to different neuropeptides collectively or individually.
"Several neuropeptides contribute to the regulation of hunger and satiety."
Neuropeptides show that the nervous system uses not just electrical signals but tiny chemical messengers to shape behaviour, mood, pain, and bodily functions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of neuropeptide
Neuropeptide combines the combining form neuro-, from Greek neuron, meaning “nerve,” with peptide, from Greek peptikos, meaning “digestible” or “pertaining to digestion.” In the term, the first element indicates a relationship to the nervous system, while peptide identifies the chemical class of the substance. Its scientific use developed alongside modern research into peptide hormones and chemical signalling in the nervous system.
Related word forms
How neuropeptide is actually used
Technical and primarily used in neuroscience, pharmacology, and related biomedical fields. The term is often used broadly for peptides involved in nervous-system signalling, although some neuropeptides also function as hormones or have roles outside the nervous system.