The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on stimulation-evoked release of [ 3H]norepinephrine (NE) from rat hypothalamic and cerebral cortical slices

Abstract

The effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on stimulation-evoked release of [ 3H]norepinephrine ([ 3H]NE) in rat hypothalamic and cerebral cortical slices were investigated. NPY inhibits the stimulation-evoked release of [ 3H]NE from hypothalamic, but not from cerebral cortical slices. NPY potentiates the inhibition of [ 3H]NE release by the α 2-agonist UK 14,304 in the hypothalamic slices. The blockade of α 2-adrenoceptors by RX 781094 diminishes the inhibitory effects of NPY. These results suggest that in the hypothalamic slices the action of NPY might be in part mediated by the α 2-adrenoceptors.