Medical Terminology

hypocretin

« Back to Glossary Index

Hypocretin, also known as orexin, is a neurotransmitter that regulates alertness, mood, and appetite. Hypocretin/orexin was discovered almost at the same time by two different groups of researchers in the late 1990s. One of the groups, headed by Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, was working on obesity and named the neurotransmitter orexin (orexis is Greek for appetite). The other group, based at Harvard, named it hypocretin, because it is produced in the hypothalamus and somewhat resembles secretin, a hormone found in the gut. For now, the naming controversy continues — both camps are firmly entrenched in their terminology and neither will budge. Whatever its name, high levels of this neurotransmitter are associated with increased appetite, improved mood, and enhanced wakefulness. Low or nonexistent levels of hypocretin are found in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with type 1 narcolepsy.

Synonyms:
hypocretin-1, orexin
Disclaimer

The contents of this website, including text, graphics and other material, are for informational purposes only. This website is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Always consult your own attorney or other legal advisor with any legal questions you may have. The Hypersomnia Foundation does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, lawyers, legal advisors, products, procedures, opinions or other information referenced on this website. Reliance on any information on this website is solely at your own risk.

The Hypersomnia Foundation makes no representations or warranties about the satisfaction of any government regulations requiring disclosure of information on prescription drug products. In no event shall The Hypersomnia Foundation be liable for any damages (including without limitation incidental and consequential damages) or costs (including without limitation attorney’s fees) based on any claim arising from the use of this website and/or its content.