SUMMARY

In this paper we review the distribution and functions of neuropeptides in the cat thalamus. We focus our review on the following topics: 1) the distribution of neuropeptides in the cat thal-amus; 2) the coexistence of neuropeptides in the cat thalamus; 3) the anatomical relationships between neuropeptides in the cat thalamus; 4) the peptidergic pathways in the cat thalamus; 5) a comparison of the distribution of neuropep-tides in the mammalian thalamus; and 6) the physiological functions of neuropeptides in the cat thalamus. Although in recent years our knowledge of the distribution of neuropeptides in the cat thalamus has increased considerably, ther e still remains much to do in this feline brain region in order to know the distribution of other n e u ropeptides, the physiological interactio ns among them, the afferent and efferent peptider-gic pathways, and the physiological roles of such neuropeptides. In the future, other methods (e.g., in situ hybridization, tract-tracing…) in add ition to im mun ocyto chemical metho ds should be used in the cat thalamus to increase our knowledge of the neuropeptides in this diencephalic region