Neuropeptides and their peptidases (Ellis Horwood series in biomedicine)

A selective review of neuropeptides that illustrate common aspects of the molecular biology, biosynthesis, processing, and metabolism of such peptides. The book moves from molecular biology through to the design of therapeutic agents. Among the topics discussed are the gene structures of a number of neuropeptide gene families, the expression of the oxytocin and vasopressin genes, and selected peptides of current interest, including tachykinins, gastric peptides, and atrial natriuretic peptides. Other topics considered are possible neurological deficits of neuropeptides and their peptidases and some of the enzymes that have been implicated in neuropeptide metabolism. The book also critically examines the status of the various neuropeptide processing enzymes and reviews the design and therapeutic applications of selective and potent inhibitors of zinc peptidases.