Abstract
In addition to the classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides represent an important class of modulators for affective behaviors and associated disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Many neuropeptides are abundantly expressed in brain regions involved in emotional processing and anxiety behaviors. Moreover, risk factors for anxiety disorders such as stress modulate the expression of various neuropeptides in the brain. Due to the high prevalence of anxiety disorders and yet limited treatment options, there is a clear need for more effective therapeutics. In this regard, the various neuropeptides represent exciting candidates for new therapeutic designs. In this review, I will provide an up-to-date summary on the evidences for the involvement of seven neuropeptides in anxiety: corticotropin-releasing factor, urocortins, vasopressin, oxytocin, substance P, neuropeptide Y and galanin. This review will cover the behavioral effects of these neuropeptides in animal models of anxiety by both genetic and pharmacological manipulations. Human studies indicating a role for these neuropeptides in anxiety disorders will also be discussed.
Keywords: Anxiety, neuropeptides, stress, corticotropin-releasing factor, urocortin, vasopressin, oxytocin, substance P, neuropeptide Y, galanin
Current Pharmaceutical Design
Title:Neuropeptides as Therapeutic Targets in Anxiety Disorders
Volume: 18 Issue: 35
Author(s): En-Ju D. Lin
Affiliation:
Keywords: Anxiety, neuropeptides, stress, corticotropin-releasing factor, urocortin, vasopressin, oxytocin, substance P, neuropeptide Y, galanin
Abstract: In addition to the classical neurotransmitters, neuropeptides represent an important class of modulators for affective behaviors and associated disorders, such as anxiety disorders. Many neuropeptides are abundantly expressed in brain regions involved in emotional processing and anxiety behaviors. Moreover, risk factors for anxiety disorders such as stress modulate the expression of various neuropeptides in the brain. Due to the high prevalence of anxiety disorders and yet limited treatment options, there is a clear need for more effective therapeutics. In this regard, the various neuropeptides represent exciting candidates for new therapeutic designs. In this review, I will provide an up-to-date summary on the evidences for the involvement of seven neuropeptides in anxiety: corticotropin-releasing factor, urocortins, vasopressin, oxytocin, substance P, neuropeptide Y and galanin. This review will cover the behavioral effects of these neuropeptides in animal models of anxiety by both genetic and pharmacological manipulations. Human studies indicating a role for these neuropeptides in anxiety disorders will also be discussed.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
D. Lin En-Ju, Neuropeptides as Therapeutic Targets in Anxiety Disorders, Current Pharmaceutical Design 2012; 18(35) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212803530871
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138161212803530871 |
Print ISSN 1381-6128 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4286 |

- Author Guidelines
- Editorial Policies
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility Of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Reviewer Guidelines
- Guest Editor Guidelines
- Board Recruitment Workflow
- Short Guide
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Announcements
- Forthcoming Thematic Issues
Related Articles
-
The Ryanodine Receptor: A Pivotal Ca2+ Regulatory Protein and Potential Therapeutic Drug Target
Current Drug Targets HHT: A Rare Disease with A Broad Spectrum of Clinical Aspects
Current Pharmaceutical Design PPARγ Activation Improves the Molecular and Functional Components of Ito Remodeling by Angiotensin II
Current Pharmaceutical Design Thiazolidinediones and Cardiovascular Risk — A Question of Balance
Current Cardiology Reviews Interactions of Cisplatin with non-DNA Targets and their Influence on Anticancer Activity and Drug Toxicity: The Complex World of the Platinum Complex
Current Cancer Drug Targets Antiproliferative Activity of Olive Oil Phenolics against Human Melan oma Cells
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Cardioprotection by Targeting the Pool of Resident and Extracardiac Progenitors
Current Drug Targets Managing Comorbidity in COPD: A Difficult Task
Current Drug Targets Transforming Non-Selective Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors in C- and N-domain Selective Inhibitors by Using Computational Tools
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Teratological Consequences of Nitric Oxide Synthesis Inhibition
Current Pharmaceutical Design Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Peptides: Production and Implementation of Functional Food
Current Pharmaceutical Design Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Aging: Interaction Between NRF-2 and ADMA
Current Cardiology Reviews SPMMTE and HPLC Methods for the Analyses of Cardiovascular Drugs in Human Plasma Using New Generation C28 Column
Current Pharmaceutical Analysis The FDG-PET Revolution of Medical Imaging – Four Decades and Beyond
Current Molecular Imaging (Discontinued) Defective Insulin Signalling, Mediated by Inflammation, Connects Obesity to Alzheimer Disease; Relevant Pharmacological Therapies and Preventive Dietary Interventions
Current Alzheimer Research Current and Future Therapeutic Strategies in NAFLD
Current Pharmaceutical Design Non-pharmacological Strategies Against Systemic Inflammation: Molecular Basis and Clinical Evidence
Current Pharmaceutical Design A Review of Hypertension Management in Atrial Fibrillation
Current Hypertension Reviews Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in Thyroid Gland Disorders
Current Medicinal Chemistry Vasopressin in Liver Disease – Should We Turn On or Off?
Current Clinical Pharmacology