Neurohormonal Regulation of Physiological Function

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

This research will contribute to learning how a novel allatostatin (AST) peptide affects heart rate. Studies will be conducted to determine which part of the peptide is required for its effect, how the peptide interacts with other molecules to cause its activity, and where and when the peptide is present in the brain and gut in order to understand how AST acts. Environmental and physiological factors influence the brain to release peptide hormones that affect activities essential to the development and well being of an animal. The role of peptide hormones as messengers and modulators of critical functions makes it important to delineate the mechanisms by which they act. Understanding how a peptide acts and where it exists in an animal provides important basic science that can lead to applied science applications.