: an endogenous peptide that influences neural activity or functioning
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebAnd the activity increases the release of neuropeptide Y, a substance that is linked to stress reduction. Andrea Petersen, WSJ, 2 Aug. 2022 The brand spent years researching the botanical actives—among them Neurophroline, a wild indigo extract that activates the release of a calming neuropeptide—that would work best in tandem to counteract the skin’s stress response. Fiorella Valdesolo, WSJ, 14 Apr. 2021 Laughter can even boost our immune system response through the release of stress-and illness-reducing neuropeptides. Everyday Einstein Sabrina Stierwalt, Scientific American, 9 Feb. 2020 In human mothers, levels of this neuropeptide increase when labor begins. Jen Christensen, CNN, 2 Dec. 2019 This might prompt your trigeminal nerve to release neuropeptides (brain molecules) that affect your meninges (three protective layers of tissue around your brain and spinal cord), ultimately leading to pain, the Mayo Clinic explains. Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, 23 June 2018 Palma’s preliminary studies indicate that Africanized honey bees produce more of these neuropeptides than other honey bees do. Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, 15 June 2018 Also the chemicals that control our brain, called neuropeptides, not only trigger hunger, but also trigger anger and impulsive behaviors. Natalie Dreier, ajc, 7 May 2018 In the abdomens of male drosophila lie brain cells which produce a pleasure protein called neuropeptide corazonin, which triggers the release of sperm and seminal fluid. Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 19 Apr. 2018 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1973, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
neuropeptide
noun
neu·ro·pep·tide ˌn(y)u̇r-ə-ˈpep-ˌtīd
: an endogenous peptide (as an endorphin or an enkephalin) that influences neural activity or functioning