Neuropeptides
12 compounds in this family, each with its recorded mechanism, routes of administration, safety notes and references to published literature.
- CholecystokininCholecystokinin (CCK) is a gastrointestinal hormone and neuropeptide that stimulates gallbladder contraction, pancreatic enzyme release, and signals satiety. It is studied primarily for its role in appetite regulation, digestion, and emerging interest in pain modulation. Research uses intravenous or subcutaneous administration of CCK or analogues to assess effects on food intake and related hormonal responses.
- Contulakin-GContulakin‑G (CGX) is a 16‑amino‑acid O‑glycosylated conotoxin derived from Conus geographus venom. It mimics neurotensin and has been investigated as a non‑opioid analgesic for acute, inflammatory, neuropathic and cancer‑induced bone pain. The peptide is administered directly to the spinal canal (intrathecally) and has shown potent antinociceptive effects in rodents and safety signals in early human testing.
- KisspeptinKisspeptin is a neuropeptide that acts as the natural upstream trigger of gonadotropin‑releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, thereby governing the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑gonadal (HPG) axis. It is being investigated for reproductive‑health applications such as a more physiological trigger of oocyte maturation in IVF, treatment of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, and modulation of puberty timing.
- Kisspeptin-10Kisspeptin‑10 (KP‑10) is a ten‑amino‑acid fragment of the KiSS‑1 gene product that acts as a high‑affinity ligand for the G protein‑coupled receptor GPR54 (KISS1R). It is studied as a neuropeptide that drives gonadotropin‑releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, influences hippocampal synaptic transmission, and modulates cancer‑related pathways and vascular biology. KP‑10 is not an approved drug; it is used experimentally via intranasal, intravenous or subcutaneous delivery to probe reproductive and other physiological mechanisms.
- Neuropeptide YNeuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36‑amino‑acid neuropeptide of the pancreatic polypeptide family that acts as a neurohormone and neuromodulator in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In research settings it is investigated for roles in stress resilience, anxiety, sleep regulation, seizure suppression, itch, and pain modulation. Because it signals through multiple Y‑receptor subtypes (Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5), its effects are context‑dependent, making it a promising but still experimental target for neuropsychiatric and pain disorders.
- OxytocinOxytocin is a naturally occurring neurohypophysial hormone approved for prescription use. It is most widely employed in obstetrics to induce or augment labor, prevent postpartum hemorrhage, and facilitate uterine contraction after delivery. Emerging research also explores its intranasal administration for neuropsychiatric effects, such as improving behavioral symptoms in frontotemporal dementia.
- PACAP38Pituitary adenylate cyclase‑activating polypeptide 38 (PACAP38) is a 38‑amino‑acid neuropeptide that acts as a hormone, neurotransmitter and trophic factor. It binds to three related G‑protein‑coupled receptors (PAC1, VPAC1, VPAC2) and is implicated in neuroendocrine regulation, vascular tone and migraine pathophysiology. In research, PACAP38‑derived radioligands are explored for PET imaging of tumors that overexpress its receptors, and the peptide itself is used to provoke migraine attacks in human models, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.
- Peptide YY (3-36)Peptide YY (3-36) (PYY3-36) is a 36‑amino‑acid gut hormone fragment that acts as a selective agonist of the Y2 neuropeptide Y receptor. It is released post‑prandially from L‑cells in the distal intestine and signals to the hypothalamus to reduce food intake. Research is exploring its potential as an investigational anti‑obesity agent, either alone or in combination with GLP‑1 agonists, and as a modulator of reward pathways linked to drug‑seeking behavior.
- Sar9, Met (O2)11-Substance PSar9,Met(O2)11‑Substance P is a synthetic analogue of the neuropeptide Substance P that acts as a highly selective agonist of the neurokinin‑1 (NK1) receptor. Developed for research, it is used to probe NK1‑mediated signaling in the central nervous system, respiratory tract, and peripheral tissues. The compound is not approved for therapeutic use and is employed primarily in animal models, isolated tissue preparations, and radioligand binding studies.
- SomatostatinSomatostatin is a cyclic neuropeptide hormone that inhibits the secretion of several other hormones and reduces splanchnic blood flow. Clinically, its synthetic analogues are used to control excess growth hormone in acromegaly, to manage acute variceal bleeding, and have been investigated for high‑output stoma, enterocutaneous fistula, acute pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.
- Substance PSubstance P is a tachykinin neuropeptide found in sensory nerves and various tissues, including fascia. It is frequently measured as a biomarker of pain, inflammation, and nausea in clinical research. Studies have examined how interventions such as acupuncture, dry needling, and peri‑operative drugs influence its circulating levels.
- Vasoactive intestinal peptideVasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a 28‑amino‑acid neuropeptide that acts as a neurotransmitter, vasodilator, and immunomodulator. It is studied for its roles in allergic inflammation, sleep regulation, skin microcirculation, and cancer biology, and is the hallmark secretory product of rare VIP‑producing neuroendocrine tumors (VIPomas). Research use includes inhaled, intravenous, or subcutaneous administration in experimental settings.