Main description:

The general characteristics of neuropeptides are discussed as a background for the understanding of their role in regulation of physiological systems. The extent of those systems that are crucially affected by neuropeptides is vast and the complexity of their interactions makes the clinical focus on a specific neu- ropeptide unsatisfactory. The clinical potential of neuropeptides affecting eating disorders, eNS behavioral disorders and the neuroregenerative and neuroprotective action of neuropeptides is discussed. It is probable that suc- cessful neuropeptide therapeutics will depend upon the application of trans- lational and combinational research using various ingenious combinations and antagonists, neuropeptide receptor ago- of neuropeptides, their agonists nists and antagonists, improved methods of delivery and the development of peptides targeted to the genetic profile of individual patients. References 1 DeWied D (1969) Effects of peptide hormones on behavior. In: WF Ganong, L Martini (eds): Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology. Oxford University Press, New York, 97-140 2 Sandman CA, Schally AV, Kastin AJ, Miller L H (1972) A neuroendocrine influence on attention and memory.
J Comp Physiol Psychol80: 54-58 3 Kastin AJ, Olson RD, SchaUy A V, Coy DH (1979) CNS effects of peripherally adminis- tered brain peptides. Life Sci 25: 401-414 4 Strand FL, Saint-Come C, Lee TS, Lee SJ, Kume JA, Zuccarelli LA (1993) An ACTH/MSH 4-10 analog BIM 22015 has neurotrophic and myotrophic attributes during peripheral nerve regeneration. Peptides 14: 287-296 5 Strand FL (1999) Neuropeptides: Regulators ofPhysiologjcal Processes.

Contents:

Neuropeptides: general characteristics and neuropharmaceutical potential in treating CNS disorders.- Structural and functional aspects of the blood-brain barrier.- Peptide transport across the blood-brain barrier.- Intracranial delivery of proteins and peptides as a therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.- Altering the properties of the blood-brain barrier: disruption and permeabilization.- Modifying peptide properties by prodrug design for enhanced transport into the CNS.- CNS-delivery via conjugation to biological carriers: physiological-based approaches.- Peptide vectors as drug carriers.- Index Vol. 61.