What is Big Dynorphin?

• Neuropeptide in nervous system
• Originates from prodynorphin precursor protein
• Related to dynorphin A and B
• 32 amino acids in length
• Larger than dynorphin A (17 acids)
• Discovered in 1980s
• Different function from other dynorphins
• Influences mood, cognition, and neuroendocrine functions

Big Dyn in the Brain:

• Created by neurons
• Present in brain and spinal cord
• Concentrated in hypothalamus
• Affects hypothalamic functions:
• Hormone production (oxytocin, vasopressin, corticotropin)
• Stress management
• Social connections
• Hunger
• Sleep/wake cycles
• Influences body temperature regulation
• Affects autonomic processes

Potential Roles in Mental Health:

• Affects emotions and thinking
• Connected to depression-like behaviours
• Increased by chronic stress
• Present in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex
• Triggers anxiety-like behaviours in rodents
• May disrupt serotonin and dopamine
• Regulates neuroinflammation
• Associated with cognitive decline
• Affects learning, memory, and decision-making

Implications for Neurological Disorders:

• Linked to depression and anxiety
• Increased by chronic stress
• Blocking effects shows antidepressant properties
• Affects neurotransmitter activity
• Role in neuroinflammation
• Connected to mental health disorders

Future Directions:

• Many aspects still unknown
• Questions about receptor mechanisms
• Potential as biomarker
• Possible drug target for neuropsychiatric disorders
• Need for additional research
• Could provide insights into brain function
• Ongoing studies to determine significance