Peptidergic regulation of behavior: an identified neuron approach

The various physiological and behavioral roles of neuropeptides have caused a general revision in our understanding of the importance of these neurochemical messengers in the control of CNS function. Yet little is known about the functional regulation of neuropeptides at the level of the individual peptidergic cell. Here we discuss three inter-twined peptidergic systems that are involved in the control of several related behaviors in the tobacco hawkmoth, Manduca sexta. We present experiments that led to the identification of the individual peptide-containing neurons and discuss some of the mechanisms that regulate peptide release for each peptidergic system.