下丘脑分泌素/食欲素配体-受体系统：对睡眠及睡眠障碍的意义

The molecules originally described as the hypocretins and subsequently as the orexins were initially implicated in the control of food intake. Recent observations implicate this newly-described neurotransmitter system in the sleep disorder narcolepsy and, potentially, in the regulation of normal sleep processes. This article reviews the research that led to the isolation of the hypocretin/orexin peptides, their receptors and the activity of these molecules as we currently understand them. A model is proposed in which the cells that make these peptides might be involved in arousal state control.