Neuropeptide Y: History and Overview

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide with structural similarities to peptide YY (PYY) and pancreatic polypeptide (PP). NPY, one of the most abundant neuropeptides known, is widely distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, while PYY and PP are predominantly distributed in the endocrine cells of the intestine and pancreas, respectively. Five NPY receptor subtypes denoted as Y1, Y2, Y4, Y5, and y6 mediate the actions of NPY. NPY is involved in the regulation of diverse functions including food intake, blood pressure, circadian rhythms, stress, pain, hormone secretion, reproduction, and alcohol consumption. NPY has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases such as feeding disorders, seizures, hypertension, pain disorders, depression, and anxiety. This review will describe a brief history and an overview of the studies on NPY concerning the isolation, tissue distribution, receptor subtypes, receptor agonists and antagonists, physiological functions, and pharmacological activities.