Hypothalamic peptides: New evidence for "peptidergic" pathways in the C.N.S.

Hypothalamic peptides, discovered because of their effects on stimulation or inhibition of anterior-pituitary-hormone release, have now been shown to be distributed in many regions of the central nervous system (C.N.S.). Demonstration of their localisation in nerve terminals, of behavioural effects exclusive of anterior pituitary actions, and of depressant effects in electrophysiological experiments suggests a role in central-nervous-system function. It is postulated that a system of peptidergic neurons exists within the C.N.S. with axon terminations both on the pituitary portal system and on other neurons.