Neuropatinë

Neuropatinë is a proposed neuropeptide postulated as a messenger in the mammalian nervous system. The name is derived from roots meaning "nerve" and "modifier." It is discussed primarily in speculative neuroscience contexts and is not established as an endogenous substance.

In descriptions, neuropatinë is a short, secreted peptide of roughly 8–12 amino acids, believed to be produced from a larger precursor and released by certain interneurons in response to activity. It is commonly attributed to bind to a neuronally expressed G protein–coupled receptor, designated NP-R1, though the receptor identity and signaling cascade remain to be confirmed.

Proposed actions include modulation of synaptic strength and plasticity. In some models, neuropatinë signaling is reported to influence calcium dynamics, AMPA receptor trafficking, and the induction or magnitude of long-term potentiation in hippocampal circuits, with potential effects on learning, memory, and cognitive flexibility. Some accounts also link it to stress responses.

The status of neuropatinë as a real endogenous molecule is unsettled. Replication attempts and detection in biological samples have yielded inconsistent results, and methodological debates persist regarding peptide identification and receptor attribution. Consequently, neuropatinë remains a topic of theoretical interest rather than a confirmed biological factor, and no clinical applications exist.

Related topics include neuropeptides, synaptic plasticity, and G protein–coupled receptors.