Dictionary of Biological Psychology
(NPY) One of the peptide NEUROTRANSMITTERS. It is found in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM, but particularly large concentrations in the ARCUATE NUCLEUS OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS and has potent actions in the PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS—microinjection of neuropeptide Y here promotes FEEDING strongly.
It is coexistent with in brainstem NORADRENALINE neurons (especially those of the VENTRAL NORADRENERGIC BUNDLE) that are known to be associated with the control of feeding. Moreover, arcuate neurons that synthesize it posses LEPTIN receptors, and it has been suggested that circulating leptin can trigger neuropeptide Y activation to influence feeding. Five RECEPTOR subtypes for neuropeptide Y have been described (designated Y1–Y5), all G PROTEIN coupled, and all activated by both neuropeptide Y and a related molecule, NEUROPEPTIDE YY.
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