Neuropeptides in the cat diencephalon: II. Hypohalamus

We have reviewed the distribution and functions of neuropeptides in the cat hypothalamus. Our review focuses in the cat hypothalamus on the following points: 1) the distribution and coexistence of neuropeptides; 2) the anatomical relationships among the different neuropeptides; 3) the peptidergic pathways (afferences and efferences); 4) comparison of the distribution of neuropeptides in the mammalian hypothalamus; and 5) the physiological functions of neuropeptides. Although at present the distribution of many neuropeptides in the hypothalamus of the cat is known, there is little information about other aspects of neuropeptides in the same diencephalic region. Thus, in order to know more the distribution and functions of neuropeptides in the cat hypothalamus in detail, in the future appropriate methodologies must be applied in order to determine, for example, the distribution of the neuropeptide receptors, the distribution of neuropeptidases, the peptidergic synaptic connections, the coexistence of neuropeptides and the physiological actions of the neuropeptides in the cat hypothalamus.