Neuropeptides are a class of neurotransmitters that play crucial roles in neurotransmission and neuromodulation. Unlike classical neurotransmitters, which are small molecules synthesized in the axon terminal, neuropeptides are larger molecules formed in the cell body and then transported to the axon terminals for release. They are involved in a wide range of physiological functions and can modulate synaptic transmission, as well as mediate long-term changes in neural circuits. An important neuropeptide is Substance P which is involved in transmitting pain signals in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. It is released in response to noxious stimuli and plays a key role in the perception of pain. Substance P is also found in regions of the brain involved in mood regulation and has been linked to stress and anxiety disorders. Endorphins, enkephalins, and dynorphins are examples of opioid peptides, neuropeptides that play critical roles in pain modulation. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the perception of pain and producing feelings of well-being. Opioid peptides are also involved in reward pathways, addiction, and mood regulation. Oxytocin, synthesized by a group of neurons located in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus, is involved in social bonding, trust, and maternal behaviours. It facilitates social interactions, maternal care, and attachment between individuals. Vasopressin as an antidiuretic hormone, regulating water balance and blood pressure. In the brain, it also functions as a neuropeptide involved in social behaviours, memory formation, and learning. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is involved in appetite regulation and energy homeostasis and released in response to stress thereby playing a role in stress-related eating behaviours. NPY is also implicated in anxiety, mood disorders, and cardiovascular regulation. Similarly, cholecystokinin (CCK) is involved in digestion, regulating the release of digestive enzymes and bile from the pancreas and gallbladder, respectively. In the brain however, CCK functions as a neuropeptide and is associated with anxiety, satiety, and pain modulation. Somatostatin is involved in the inhibition of various hormones and neurotransmitters in the body, leading to the regulation of growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon signalling. For example, somatostatin inhibits the secretion of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) thereby indirectly reducing the release of growth hormone. Additionally, somatostatin directly acts on somatotroph cells in the pituitary gland, decreasing their responsiveness to GHRH, further contributing to the inhibition of growth hormone release.In the brain, somatostatin plays a role in neurotransmission, particularly in modulating synaptic activity. Finally, galanin is widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and is involved in regulating pain transmission, mood, memory, and feeding behaviour. Galanin also interacts with other neurotransmitter systems, contributing to its neuromodulatory effects. Neuropeptides exert their effects by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target neurons. These receptors are often G-protein coupled receptors, which initiate intracellular signalling pathways upon activation. Neuropeptide release is usually triggered by high-frequency or intense neuronal activity, making them well-suited for long-term changes in neural circuits and the modulation of synaptic transmission. We provide a large product range of research reagents for investigating neuropeptides, including ACTH antibodies, PBP antibodies, NPY5R antibodies, POMC ELISA Kits, and VIP ELISA Kits. Explore our full neuropeptides product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Hormones, Opioids, and Tachykinins product ranges.