Neuropeptide

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein

**Definition:** Peptides with direct synaptic effects or indirect modulatory effects on the nervous system. A neuropeptide is a molecule released by neurons as an intercellular neurotransmitter. Alternatively, neuropeptides can be released by non-neuronal cells as hormones. They are endogenous peptides such as endorphins that influence neural activity or functioning.

**Synonyms:** - neuropeptide