EFFECT OF NEUROPEPTIDE-Y AND GALANIN ON AUTONOMIC CONTROL OF HEART-RATE IN THE TOAD, BUFO-MARINUS

The effects of neuropeptide-Y (NPY) and galanin (GAL) on the autonomic control of heart rate were investigated in the anaesthetised toad, Bufo marinus. Both vagosympathetic trunks were sectioned to prevent reflex changes in heart rate, and the cardiac responses to electrical stimulation of either the vagal or sympathetic fibres to the heart assessed. Intravenous, bolus doses of 10 or 20-mu-g (2 or 4 nmol) NPY and 5 or 10-mu-g (1.5 or 3 nmol) GAL caused pronounced pressor responses but small direct changes in heart rate. Pulse intervals measured after peptide administration were within 5% of control values. All doses of both peptides caused inhibition of action of the cardiac vagus nerves, the maximum inhibition observed in response to 20-mu-g NPY: mean 49.5 +/- 14% (SEM). No significant changes in cardiac sympathetic nerve action were observed. It is concluded that NPY and GAL have similar, important cardiovascular actions in the toad. Similarities between the responses of toads and mammals to NPY suggest a phylogenetic conservation of function for this peptide.