NPY Family of Peptides in Neurobiology, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders : from Genes to Therapeutics
The NPY-family of peptides encompasses several groups of neurotransmitters and hormones, which exert diverse biological and pathological actions that bear on all major vital systems. This book is a unique compilation of the most recent breakthroughs in NPY/PYY neurobiology, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The identification of multiple receptors for the members of the NPY and PYY family of peptides provides new opportunities for discovery of specific NPY antagonists and agonists that have vast clinical potential. The recognition of the role of NPY in stimulation of food intake has already resulted in discovery of potent and selective NPY receptor Y-5 antagonists, which are in clinical development for obesity. NPY Y1 receptor antagonists are targeted for cardiovascular indications. Research into the multiple functions of NPY and its receptors in neurological and affective disorders is also actively pursued. The chapters in this book are written by internationally renowned experts with the objective to synthesize leading concepts and data in support for translational medicine.
Neuronal Input Pathways to the Brains Biological Clock and their Functional Significance
Circadian rhythms are entrained daily by environmental photic and non-photic cues. The present review describes the anatomy and functional characteristics of the three major input pathways to the circadian clock mediating entrainment, the retino-hypothalamic tract (RHT), the geniculo-hypothalamic tract (GHT) and the midbrain raphe projection.

