An update of the larger volume on brain peptides published in 1983, the first seven chapters of this book address general areas of relevance to brain peptides, including biosynthesis, structural characterization, recent studies on receptors and enzymatic degradation, and techniques of measurement and analysis and for defining anatomic distribution of peptides. A chapter by Ruth Siegal reveals new developments in in situ hybridization. The second section examines recent developments with respect to specific neuropeptides, including TRH, which has recently been cloned, new findings on cholecystokin, the elucidation of the VIP gene, and two chapters on the enkephalins and other opioid peptides. Also reviewed are the latest findings on the structure and functions of bombesin and GRP, and the brain-angiotensin system. Of particular interest to psychiatrists is the update on peptides and psychiatry. New to this volume is a review of neurotrophic factors.