Summary and Future Directions

Summary

It has been nearly two decades since CCK and gastrin-like peptides were discovered in central and peripheral neurons. These peptides have gained importance in research for several reasons. First, they occur in the mammalian central nervous system at a higher concentration than that of any other known neuropeptide. Second, their distribution is unique, with a highest expression in the cerebral cortex. Third, animal and human studies have suggested a role for these peptides in psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, schizophrenia and eating disorders.