Neuropeptide Y effector systems: perspectives for drug development

Neuropeptide Y was isolated in 1982 and has since attracted considerable interest. It is widely distributed in central and peripheral neurones and can produce a multitude of biological effects in the brain and the periphery. For example, the peptide has been associated with stimulation of food and water intake, control of mood, and regulation of central autonomic functions. In the periphery, sympathetic neuropeptide Y plays a role as a vasopressor and vasoconstrictor. Neuropeptide Y acts on at least three distinct receptor types, referred to as Y(sub 1), Y(sub 2) and Y(sub 3). This review by Lars Grundemar and Rolf Hakanson focuses on some neuropeptide Y-dependent mechanisms that may be implicated in certain disorders and may be promising targets for drugs active at neuropeptide Y receptors.