Abstract
During the last decade evidence has accumulated that pituitary and hypothalamic hormones are precursor molecules for biologically active fragments which affect a variety of brain functions. Examples of precursor hormones for neuropeptides which are involved in behavioural adaptation are adrenocorticotrophic hormone, melano-cyte-stimulating hormone, vasopressin, oxytocin and β-endorphin. The study of the influence of pituitary and hypothalamic hormones on the central nervous system has revealed the existence of peptide hormone fragments devoid of classical endocrine effects affecting motivational, attentional, learning and memory processes. In addition, these hormones generate fragments which modulate drug-seeking behaviour and the development of tolerance and physical dependence on opiates and alcohol, and neuropeptides which are involved in psychopathological processes. These findings suggest that psychopathological disturbances and impairment in mental performance may be caused by hormonal dysfunctions in the brain. Preliminary studies in man corroborate this view.
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de Wied, D. (1980). Peptides and adaptive behaviour. In: Hormones and the Brain. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8709-8_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8709-8_9
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