Neuropeptidfrisättning

Neuropeptidfrisättning refers to the process by which neuropeptides are released from neurons. Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other. Unlike classical neurotransmitters, which are typically stored in small synaptic vesicles and released rapidly, neuropeptides are synthesized in the cell body and transported to the nerve terminal in larger dense-core vesicles. Their release is often a slower, more sustained process that can occur at different sites along the neuron, including dendrites and the axon, not just the presynaptic terminal.

The release of neuropeptides is typically triggered by high-frequency neuronal activity. This differs from the release of small molecule neurotransmitters, which can be triggered by single action potentials. Once released, neuropeptides can diffuse over longer distances in the extracellular fluid to act on receptors located on nearby or even distant neurons, glial cells, or blood vessels. This paracrine or even endocrine signaling allows neuropeptides to modulate a wide range of physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, stress response, appetite, and learning. The complex and diverse roles of neuropeptides highlight their significance in neural signaling and overall physiological regulation.