Detailed Explanation
36-amino-acid peptide that is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the mammalian brain. NPY is a potent stimulator of food intake (orexigenic) and plays central roles in stress response, anxiety, circadian rhythm, blood pressure regulation, and bone metabolism. It acts through Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptors.
NPY is co-released with norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons. High NPY levels are associated with stress resilience — special forces soldiers have been found to have elevated NPY. In obesity research, NPY/AgRP neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are the primary 'hunger' neurons, counterbalanced by POMC/CART 'satiety' neurons.
Key Facts
- 36-amino-acid peptide that is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the mammalian brain.
- NPY is a potent stimulator of food intake (orexigenic) and plays central roles in stress response, anxiety, circadian rhythm, blood pressure regulation, and bone metabolism.
- It acts through Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptors.
- NPY is co-released with norepinephrine from sympathetic neurons.
- High NPY levels are associated with stress resilience — special forces soldiers have been found to have elevated NPY.
- In obesity research, NPY/AgRP neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are the primary 'hunger' neurons, counterbalanced by POMC/CART 'satiety' neurons.
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