Neuropeptide Y

Literature References: Neuroendocrine peptide that stimulates ingestive behavior. Named for its five tyrosine (Y) residues. Member of a structurally related peptide family which includes peptide YY and pancreatic polypeptide. Most abundant known peptide in mammalian brain; widely distributed in the neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system and adrenal medullary cells. Composed of a highly conserved sequence of 36 amino acids. Exhibits wide range of physiological effects including anxiolysis, sedation, vasoconstriction, and the stimulation of food intake. Isoln from porcine brain: K. Tatemoto et al., Nature 296, 659 (1982). Amino acid sequence: idem, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 79, 5485 (1982). Distribution in human brain: T. E. Adrian et al., Nature 306, 584 (1983). Role of NPY in the antiobesity effect of the obese gene product (see also Leptin): T. W. Stephens et al., Nature 377, 530 (1995). Conference proceedings: Neuropeptide Y: Karolinska Inst. Nobel Conf. Series, V. Mutt et al., Eds. (Raven Press, N.Y., 1989) 353 p. Book: The Biology of Neuropeptide Y and Related Peptides, W. F. Colmers, C. Wahlestedt, Eds. (Humana Press, Totowa, N. J., 1993) 564 p. Review of pharmacology: J. G. Wettstein et al., Pharmacol. Ther. 65, 397-414 (1995); of role as potential therapeutic target: L. Grundemar, R. Hakanson, Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 15, 153-159 (1994).