Pro-Opiomelanocortin and Behavioral Homeostasis

The large POMC molecule is hydrolyzed into a wide array of bioactive fragments. Some—such as ACTH, β-lipotropin, and β-endorphin—are well understood; others, less so. In concert with the glucocorticoids, these neuropeptides appear to be critical mediators of CNS homeostasis and facilitators of adaptive behavior. They work both systemically and locally, particularly in the limbic brain.