Neuropeptide Y

• OMIM: 162640

• MGI: 97374

Neuropeptide Y (NPY ) is a 36 amino acids consisting of neuropeptide found particularly in the brain and noradrenergic neurons of the peripheral nervous system. This peptide is physiologically involved in the central nervous control of hunger and fear, the presynaptic regulation of neurotransmitters, the control of epileptic seizures, the blood vessel contraction, insulin release and the control of motility in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, for the neuropeptide Y was a gewebshormonartige effect on the immune system are detected.

Its effects mediated via neuropeptide Y at least 6 different G- protein-coupled receptors: Y1 - Y6. In addition to its physiological effects neuropeptide Y is probably also involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, atherosclerosis and inflammatory diseases. Neuropeptide Y has structural similarities to the peptide YY and pancreatic polypeptide to the.

A research group at the Max Planck Institute in Heidelberg, published in December 2011, the results of a study on mice, after intensive maternal care during the first weeks of life in infants promotes the development of the neuropeptide. In adulthood, they were better able to deal with stress and anxiety.