Orexins - Experimental Studies and Perspectives in Paediatrics

Czech version

Authors: J. Bronský ¹; M. Chada ¹; J. Nevoral ²; H. Krásničanová ²; L. Lisá ²; R. Průša ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Ústav klinické biochemie a patobiochemie 2. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha, 1 přednosta doc. MUDr. R. Průša, CSc. 1. dětská klinika 2. LF UK a FN v Motole, Praha, 2 přednosta doc. MUDr. J. Janda, CSc.
Published in: Čes-slov Pediat 2002; (10): 600-603.
Category:

Overview

Orexin A (hypocretin 1) and orexin B (hypocretin 2) are hypothalamic neuropeptides derived from oneprecursor molecule - preproorexin. They were discovered by two independent teams in 1998. Orexins are involvedin regulation of food intake, energy homeostasis, sleep-wake cycle and neuroendocrine functions. There are tworeceptors for orexins - OXR1/Hcrtrl and OXR2/Hcrtr2. Cells producing these neuropeptides are localized ina small population within the lateral and perifornical hypothalamic area. Fibres of these cells are in many areasof the central nervous system and have mainly an excitatory effect. In animals orexins stimulate food intake. Thereare several mutations in the orexin system, that cause narcolepsy in mice, dogs and humans. Disorders of foodintake are a very serious problem of childhood. Disturbances of the sleep-wake cycle often develop duringadolescence and knowledge of involvement of neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of these processes may contributeto improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Investigation of orexins in human can reveal the role ofthe orexin system in the pathogenesis of illnesses and can bring new knowledge in the field of paediatric nutrition,psychiatry and neurology.

Key words:
orexins, hypocretins, hypothalamus, obesity, anorexia nervosa, narcolepsy

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