Plan and Program

Abstract

Although the mapping of neuroaetive principles with the aid of histochemical techniques is still in full progress, a tentative interim summation of what has been accomplished so far may be appropriate. This book is intended to serve that purpose. It (a) presents concise descriptions of the localization of a number of (putative) neuromediators in the mammalian brain, based on the literature, (b) provides pictorial surveys of the localization of most of these substances, and (c) attaches some comments, conclusions and speculations to the data gathered. The following substances will be dealt with:

• 1. Acetylcholine

• 2. The monoamines: dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, serotonin and histamine

• 3. The amino acids: γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, aspartate, glycine and taurine

• 4. The gut-brain peptides: substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, cholecystokinin and neurotensin

• 5. The hypophysiotropic peptides: corticotropin-releasing factor, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, somatostatin and thyrotropin-releasing hormone

• 6. The neurohypophyseal peptides: vasopressin, oxytocin and their related neurophysins

• 7. The pro-opiomelanocortin dervatives: corticotropin (ACTH), α-melanocyte stimulating hormone and β-endorphin

• 8. The enkephalins and dynorphins

• 9. Angiotensin II