The therapeutic potential of neuropeptide Y - Analgesic, anxiolytic and antihypertensive

Since its discovery in 1982, neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been shown to have numerous effects mediated by a growing number of NPY receptors in both the CNS and peripheral nervous system. Perhaps best appreciated is the role of NPY in the control of systemic blood pressure, together with its effects on feeding, anxiety and memory. However, recent evidence increasingly supports an important role for NPY in mediating analgesia and hyperalgesia by distinct central and peripheral mechanisms. In this review we concentrate on this important aspect of NPY pharmacology and consider mechanisms controlling the expression of NPY and its receptors. In addition, we also present the more recent data describing the other possible roles for NPY. NPY agonists and antagonists may be useful in the treatment of conditions as varied as anorexia, epilepsy, anxiety, depression, hypertension and heart failure.