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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 89/3/229    most recent expphysiol.2004.027169v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Dockray, G. J. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Dockray, G. J. Related Collections Hot Topic Reviews Neuroendocrinology/Endocrinology

Physiological Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK

Neuropeptides terminating in -Arg-Phe-NH₂ (-RFamide) were first discovered in molluscan nervous systems, but were soon recognized to occur widely throughout the invertebrates. Progress in characterizing members of the family in vertebrates has been slower. In mammals, however, it is now clear that there are at least five genes encoding members of the family, and at least five G-protein-coupled receptors at which they act. The tissue distribution of the peptides and their receptors is wide and there are likely to be many different functions. One of the emerging themes from recent research is that these peptides are involved in control of feeding behaviour both in invertebrates and in vertebrates. This would seem to be a remarkable example of conservation of chemical structure and biological function throughout nervous system evolution.

(Received 8 January 2004; accepted after revision 30 January 2004; first published online 17 February 2004)
Corresponding author G. J. Dockray: Physiological Laboratory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK. Email: g.j.dockray{at}liverpool.ac.uk

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