Neuropeptide Y receptors as therapeutic targets in anxiety and depression

Abstract

AbstractThis brief overview is focused on the role of neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors and their involvement in stress behaviors, particularly as they relate to stress‐induced psychiatric disorders. Also discussed is the potential for each of the receptors in the development of novel therapeutic treatments in the field of psychiatry. To date, there are four known human receptor subtypes: Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5. NPY receptor subtypes Y1, Y2, and Y5 are implicated in anxiety and depression, whereas the Y4 receptor appears to be involved in feeding and endocrine regulation. Clinical evidence suggests that deficiencies in NPY levels within the cerebrospinal fluid correlate with reported anxiety or depression. Likewise, the preclinical studies have shown that anxiety and/or depressive‐like behaviors in animals also correlate with NPY activity. Specifically, the animal data show that central administration of Y1 and Y5 receptor agonists will decrease anxiety‐like responses, whereas a Y2 antagonist is necessary for a similar effect. Given the detrimental effects of chronic stress in the development of psychiatric illness, and the limitations of some of the current treatments, NPY receptors are a promising new therapeutic target for mood and affective disorders. Drug Dev. Res. 65:301–308, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.