Neuropeptide Y increases the inhibitory effects of clonidine on potassium evoked 3H-noradrenaline but not 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine release from synaptosomes of the hypothalamus and the frontoparietal cortex of the male Sprague-Dawley rat

Enhanced inhibitory control by neuropeptide Y Y5 receptor blockade in rats

RATIONALE

The neuropeptide Y (NPY) system acts in synergy with the classic neurotransmitters to regulate a large variety of functions including autonomic, affective, and cognitive processes. Research on the effects of NPY in the central nervous system has focused on food intake control and affective processes, but growing evidence of NPY involvement in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychiatric conditions motivated the present study.

OBJECTIVES

We tested the effects of the novel and highly selective NPY Y5 receptor antagonist Lu AE00654 on impulsivity and the underlying cortico-striatal circuitry in rats to further explore the possible involvement of the NPY system in pathologies characterized by inattention and impulsive behavior.

RESULTS

A low dose of Lu AE00654 (0.03 mg/kg) selectively facilitated response inhibition as measured by the stop-signal task, whereas no effects were found at higher doses (0.3 and 3 mg/kg). Systemic administration of Lu AE00654 also enhanced the inhibitory influence of the dorsal frontal cortex on neurons in the caudate-putamen, this fronto-striatal circuitry being implicated in the executive control of behavior. Finally, by locally injecting a Y5 agonist, we observed reciprocal activation between dorsal frontal cortex and caudate-putamen neurons. Importantly, the effects of the Y5 agonist were attenuated by pretreatment with Lu AE00654, confirming the presence of Y5 binding sites modulating functional interactions within frontal-subcortical circuits.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the NPY system modulates inhibitory neurotransmission in brain areas important for impulse control, and may be relevant for the treatment of pathologies such as ADHD and drug abuse.

Influence of leptin on neurotransmitter overflow from the rat brain in vitro

The 16-kDa polypeptide hormone, leptin along with the neurotransmitters noradrenaline and serotonin (5-HT) have important physiological roles in the regulation of a number of neuroendocrine actions particularly feeding. Leptin receptor mRNA and immunoreactivity has been reported in various brain regions, while recent studies suggest that leptin is released from the human brain. This study investigated the interactions between leptinergic and neurotransmitter systems of the rat brain in vitro. Techniques were established to simultaneously monitor the release of endogenous noradrenaline and its metabolite 3,4 dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), and 5-HT and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) from the rat brain. The neuromodulatory action of leptin (0.2 and 3 nM) on the overflow of noradrenaline and DHPG from the medulla and hypothalamus was examined. The effect of leptin on 5-HT and 5-HIAA overflow from the hypothalamus was also investigated. Administration of 0.2 and 3 nM leptin significantly increased medullary noradrenaline overflow to 172% and 174% of basal levels, respectively. Leptin had no significant effect on hypothalamic noradrenaline overflow, while leptin perfusion induced a significant increase in 5-HIAA overflow from the hypothalamus. This study lends support to the notion of a complex interaction of the leptinergic and brain neurotransmitters involved in the control of feeding and energy metabolism.

Neuropeptide Y inhibits depolarization-stimulated catecholamine synthesis in rat pheochromocytoma cells

In PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells differentiated with nerve growth factor (NGF), neuropeptide Y inhibited depolarization-stimulated catecholamine synthesis as determined by in situ measurement of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) production in the presence of the decarboxylase inhibitor m-hydroxybenzylhydrazine (NSD-1015). The inhibition by neuropeptide Y was concentration-dependent and was prevented by pretreatment with pertussis toxin, suggesting the involvement of a GTP-binding protein of the Gi or Go subtype. The neuropeptide Y analog [Leu31,Pro34]neuropeptide Y also caused inhibition of DOPA production, but was less potent than neuropeptide Y itself, while peptide YY and neuropeptide Y-(13-36) had no significant effect. This pattern is most consistent with the involvement of the neuropeptide Y Y3 receptor subtype. In PC12 cells differentiated with dexamethasone, neuropeptide Y also caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of DOPA production, while peptide YY was again without effect. Neuropeptide Y had no effect on DOPA production in undifferentiated PC12 cells. These results indicate that neuropeptide Y can modulate catecholamine synthesis in addition to its modulatory effects on catecholamine release.

Neurochemical changes following occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats

We have developed a stroke model involving middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat which elicits changes in cardiac and autonomic variables that are similar to those observed clinically. It is likely that these neurogenic autonomic responses are mediated by changes in neurotransmitter systems subsequent to the stroke. This possibility was investigated by examining changes in immunohistochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase, neuropeptide Y, leu-enkephalin, neurotoxins and dynorphin following middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat. Computerized image analysis was used to provide semi-quantitative measurements of the changes. The ischemic region was centered primarily in the insular cortex. The results indicate that there are significant increases in immunostaining for tyrosine hydroxylase and neuropeptide Y in the insular cortex within the peri-infarct region. Neuropeptide Y staining was also significantly increased in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, ipsilateral to the middle cerebral artery occlusion, which did not appear to be included in the infarct. Leu-enkephalin, neurotensin and dynorphin staining was significantly elevated in the central nucleus of the amygdala ipsilateral to the occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. These neurochemical changes are discussed as possible mechanisms mediating the cardiac and autonomic consequences of stroke or as part of a process to provide neuro-protection following focal cerebral ischemia.

Presynaptic and postsynaptic effects of neuropeptide Y in the rat pineal gland

Neuropeptide Y is colocalized with noradrenaline in sympathetic fibers innervating the rat pineal gland. In this article we present a study of the effects and mechanisms of action of neuropeptide Y on the pineal noradrenergic transmission, the main input leading to the rhythmic secretion of melatonin. At the presynaptic level, neuropeptide Y inhibits by 45%, with an EC50 of 50 nM, the potassium-evoked noradrenaline release from pineal nerve endings. This neuropeptide Y inhibition occurs via the activation of pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein-coupled neuropeptide Y-Y2 receptors and is independent from, but additive to, the alpha 2-adrenergic inhibition of noradrenaline release. At the postsynaptic level, neuropeptide Y decreases by a maximum of 35%, with an EC50 of 5 nM, the beta-adrenergic induction of cyclic AMP elevation via the activation of neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptors. This moderate neuropeptide Y-induced inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation, however, has no effect on the melatonin secretion induced by a beta-adrenergic stimulation. On the contrary, in the presence of 1 mM ascorbic acid, neuropeptide Y potentiates (up to threefold) the melatonin secretion. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that neuropeptide Y modulates the noradrenergic transmission in the rat pineal gland at both presynaptic and postsynaptic levels, using different receptor subtypes and transduction pathways.

Neuroendocrine regulation of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in the tuberoinfundibular system

[...] It is now required to list each part needed for mucous excretion. They are two ducts in the brain substance, then a thin portion of membrane shaped as the infundibulum, then the gland that receives the tip of this infundibulum and the ducts that drive the mucus (pituita) from this gland to the palate and nares. [...] and I said that one (duct) [...] from the middle of the common cavity (third ventricle) descends [...] into the brain substance, and the end of this duct is [...] the sinus of the gland where the brain mucus is collected [...].

Region-specific inhibition of potassium-evoked [3H]noradrenaline release from rat brain synaptosomes by neuropeptide Y-(13-36). Involvement of NPY receptors of the Y2 type

The effects of the Y2 receptor agonist neuropeptide Y NPY-(13-36) on the depolarization-evoked release of [3H]noradrenaline (NA) from synaptosomal preparations of the medulla oblongata, the hypothalamus, the hippocampal formation and the parieto-occipital cortex of the male rat were studied. NPY-(13-36) (0.1-100 nM) caused a concentration-related inhibition of the depolarization-induced release of [3H]NA in all areas studied, except the parieto-occipital cortex. The results indicate that NPY Y2 receptors are present on NA terminals in all areas studied, except the parieto-occipital cortex and inhibit depolarization-evoked [3H]NA release.

Neuropeptide Y interaction with the adrenergic transmission line: a study of its effect on alpha-2 adrenergic receptors

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), first isolated in 1982, is widely distributed among the neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, often in close association with catecholamines. Because of its wide distribution and concentrations in selected areas of the brain, NPY is considered a putative neurotransmitter with several possible physiological effects including modulation of blood pressure, food intake and pituitary hormone release at a central level. Peripherally, the peptide seems to be involved, via direct and indirect mechanisms, in noradrenaline (NA)-mediated vasoconstriction. The ability of NPY to interact with the catecholamine transmission line may underly a possible modulatory influence of NPY on catecholamine receptor characteristics. We recently observed interaction between alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and those for NPY at the presynaptic level. Additional data from our studies in spontaneously hypertensive rats suggest that impairment of these interactions may contribute to the hypertension in this strain.

Serotonin release in the rat brain cortex is inhibited by neuropeptide Y but not affected by ACTH1-24, angiotensin II, bradykinin and delta-sleep-inducing peptide

The effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic polypeptide and of another four peptides on the electrically evoked 3H overflow were studied in superfused rat brain cortex slices preincubated with 3H-serotonin. In addition, we determined the effect of NPY on the Ca2(+)-induced 3H overflow from rat brain cortex slices and synaptosomes (preincubated with 3H-serotonin) and on the forskolin-stimulated accumulation of cAMP in a membrane fraction from rat brain cortex. The electrically (3 Hz) evoked 3H overflow was inhibited by PYY, NPY and pancreatic polypeptide (decreasing order of potency), but not affected by ACTH1-24, angiotensin II, bradykinin and delta-sleep-inducing peptide. The inhibitory effect of NPY did not change when the stimulation frequency was lowered to 1 Hz, but was markedly reduced at 10 Hz. The inhibitory effect of a presumably maximally active concentration of PYY was not altered in the presence of NPY or pancreatic polypeptide (effects not additive), whereas the inhibition produced by a maximally active concentration of the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine was further increased by NPY. NPY also inhibited (1) the tritium overflow, evoked by introduction of Ca2+, in slices superfused with Ca2(+)-free and K(+)-rich medium containing tetrodotoxin, (2) the tritium overflow, evoked by simultaneously increasing Ca2+ and K+ in the superfusion fluid of synaptosomes previously superfused with Ca2(+)-free medium and (3) the forskolin-stimulated accumulation of cAMP in rat brain cortex membranes. The present results suggest that NPY inhibits serotonin release in the rat brain via presynaptic NPY receptors, which are also activated by PYY and pancreatic polypeptide and may be negatively coupled to an adenylate cyclase.

Interactions between neuropeptide Y and alpha 2-adrenoceptors in selective rat brain regions

Neuropeptide Y significantly reduced the potassium-stimulated release of [3H]norepinephrine [( 3H]NE) from slices of rat hippocampus, hypothalamus and frontal cortex but not from slices of parieto-occipital cortex. The NPY-induced inhibition of [3H]NE release from frontal cortical slices was concentration dependent, reaching statistical significance at 10 nM. The alpha 2-adrenoceptor partial agonist, clonidine, also reduced the potassium-stimulated release of [3H]NE. The combination of NPY and clonidine in hippocampal slices produced a greater reduction of stimulated [3H]NE release than either of the two compounds alone, suggesting a potentiation of their activity, whereas in frontal cortical slices, the effect was additive. When NPY and clonidine were added to frontal cortical slices, they independently produced a significant concentration-dependent reduction in forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation. However, NPY and clonidine combined did not produce a further reduction in forskolin-induced cAMP accumulation than either compound when used alone. These results suggest that the ability of NPY to potentiate alpha 2-adrenoceptor-induced inhibition of [3H]NE release in discrete brain regions does not depend on the reductions in cAMP.

Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity in schizophrenia. Relationships with clinical measures

Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity (NPY-li) was measured in CSF of 35 drug-free chronic schizophrenic patients. Compared to a group of drug-free controls, CSF NPY-li was significantly higher in these patients. CSF NPY-li decreased with age and longer duration of illness. Measures of structural brain abnormalities on CT scans were significantly associated with lower CSF NPY-li. Relationships between NPY-li and schizophrenic behavior, i.e. positive symptoms, were observed only in the clinically stable (nonrelapsed) drug-free patients. In 31 of the patients CSF was obtained before and after withdrawal from haloperidol maintenance treatment. This withdrawal from haloperidol treatment was associated with a significant increase in CSF NPY-li. There was no significant difference in CSF NPY-li between patients who did and those who did not relapse within 6 weeks following haloperidol withdrawal. The present findings suggest a relationship of CSF NPY-li with various aspects of schizophrenia.

Effects of neuropeptide Y on alpha 1-and beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated second messenger systems in rat frontal cortex

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) (1 microM) significantly reduced the basal cAMP concentration in slices of rat frontal cortex. However, NPY (10(-9)-10(-6)M) did not alter the isoproterenol-stimulated (10(-9)-10(-5) M) accumulation of cAMP in the frontal cortical slices, showing that Y2 NPY receptors do not modulate the beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated adenylase cyclase activity. NPY (10(-8)-2.5 x 10(-5) M) was also demonstrated to stimulate inositol phosphate accumulation in rat frontal cortex slices in a dose-dependent manner. However, NPY (1 microM) did not potentiate the ability of phenylephrine (5 X 10(-8)-10(-4) M), an alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist, to stimulate inositol phosphate hydrolysis. The combined effects of phenylephrine and NPY (1 microM) on inositol phosphate hydrolysis were additive, suggesting that the alpha 1-adrenoceptor and NPY Y1 receptor sites are located on different postsynaptic sites in rat frontal cortex. This study demonstrates the existence of both Y2 and Y1 NPY receptors in the rat frontal cortex based on second messenger systems, but there does not appear to be an interaction of NPY with either alpha 1- or beta-adrenoceptors.