Behavioural effects of neuropeptides: central and peripheral mechanisms of action of vasopressin

  • B. Bohus
Chapter
Part of the Advances in Life Sciences book series (ALS)

Summary

It has become well established that vasopressin is not only a peripheral hormone with antidiuretic and pressor activities, but is also a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator with numerous functions, found in many parts of the central nervous system. The first behavioural effect of vasopressin to be recognized was its influence on learning and memory. Other studies on neuropeptides have emphasized the role of oxytocin as an amnesic substance. This paper focusses on two major aspects of the manner in which vasopressin and oxytocin affect the central nervous system. The role of peripheral factors, particularly that of adrenal epinephrine, in memory functions influenced by vasopressin is described. The involvement of vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic mechanisms in the central nucleus of the amygdala during behavioural and physiological coping is discussed.

Keywords

Central Nucleus Passive Coping Plasma Corticosterone Level Oxytocin Receptor Vasopressin Receptor 
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Copyright information

© Birkhäuser Verlag Basel/Switzerland 1996

Authors and Affiliations

  • B. Bohus
    • 1
  1. 1.Department of Animal Physiology and Graduate School of Behavioural and Cognitive NeurosciencesUniversity of GroningenHarenThe Netherlands

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