Several laboratories in the department are involved in elucidating the role of neuropeptides in diverse physiological processes. Over the last fifty years, advances in this area have led to an understanding of how neuropeptides serve as integrative chemical messengers, conveying information from one discrete neuronal population to another. Furthermore, it is becoming evident that neuropeptides are involved in coupling transductive events from neurons to glial and to immune cells. Major areas of neuropeptide research encompass pain and analgesia, appetite control, inflammation, mood and affective behavior. Individual areas of faculty investigation are:

Dr. Margery C. Beinfeld is studying the role of cholecystokin (CCK) in central pathways. Using a variety of biochemical and molecular approaches, she evaluates the biosynthesis of pro CCK post-translation processing as well as the release of CCK. She has recently become interested in the expression and biological role of the enzymes involved in the processing of CCK: PC1, PC2, and PC5.

Dr. Alan Kopin is interested in probing the struture-function relationships of the CCK-A and CCK-B receptor subtypes. He uses an integrated approach employing molecular, biochemical, and pharmacological techniques. He is a leader in the area of chimeric CCK receptors.

Dr. Richard M. Kream is evaluating the role of tachykinin peptides of which substance P is the protypic member in pain and analgesic information processing. His work on tachykin peptides includes biochemical, anatomical, and pharmacological components. In addition, his work on substance P includes studies of interaction with endogenous opioid systems as well as enkephalin and dynorphin peptides located at spinal and supra spinal loci.

Dr. Jeffrey B. Tatro is elucidating the physiological roles of receptors for the melanocortin family of neuropeptides. Melanocortins act centrally as functional antagonists of proimflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the pyrogenic and neurocrine actions of these substances in the brain. The main thrust of Dr. Tatro's research is to determine the central mechanisms and neural pathways involved in these effects.

Dr. Theoharis C. Theoharides is evaluating the role that the neuropeptide corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays in immune processes. CRH appears to play a role on neurally-mediated activation of mast cells.

Dr. Michael L. Thompson