hypocretin

views updated May 29 2018

hypocretin (hy-poh-kree-tin) n. a neuropeptide that originates in the hypothalamus. Low levels of hypocretin in the cerebrospinal fluid are found in most patients with narcolepsy and may also be found in patients who have suffered with stroke, brain tumours, head injuries, and infections of the nervous system.

A Dictionary of Nursing

hypocretin

views updated May 21 2018

hy·po·cre·tin / hīpəˈkrētn/ • another name for orexin.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

hypocretin

All Sources -
Updated Aug 08 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic