01 /What it is
Orexin A (also called hypocretin 1) is a 33 amino acid neuropeptide produced by a small group of neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. It is studied as a research compound at two G protein coupled receptors (OX1R and OX2R) that together regulate arousal, sleep wake transitions, appetite, and reward processing in research models.
02 /How it works
In research models, Orexin A signals through OX1R and OX2R on neurons of the locus coeruleus, raphe nuclei, and tuberomammillary nucleus, where it raises the activity of the major arousal systems. Loss of orexin neurons is the molecular signature researchers identify in narcolepsy with cataplexy.
03 /What researchers explore it for
Researchers have explored Orexin A in sleep wake research, in narcolepsy research, and in appetite and reward circuitry research.
04 /Safety and interactions
Orexin A is for laboratory research use only and is not for human consumption. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
05 /Research notes
Peptide family: orexin (hypocretin) neuropeptides. Frequently compared with Galanin and DSIP in sleep architecture research. The Apothify library lists Orexin A for encyclopedia coverage only.
Related peptides
DSIP · Galanin · Kisspeptin-10
