| Description | Neuropeptide Y (NPY) acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and in the autonomic nervous system. In the brain it is thought to have several functions, including increasing food intake and storage of energy as fat [ , , , ], facilitation of learning and memory via the modulation of hippocampal activity [, , ], inhibition of anxiety [, , ], presynaptic inhibition of neurotransmitter release in the CNS and periphery [], and modulation of circadian rhythm [, ]. In the periphery, NPY stimulates vascular smooth muscle contraction [, ], modulates the release of pituitary hormones [, ], pain transmission [], inhibition of insulin release [, , ] and modulation of renal function []. NPY has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension [], congestive heart failure and appetite regulation [, , , ] and controlling epileptic seizures []. Signalling responses appear to be restricted to certain cell types and in the autonomic system it is mainly produced by neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and serves as a strong vasoconstrictor and also causes growth of fat tissue []. These include inhibition of Ca2+ channels, such as in neurones [], and activation and inhibition of K+ channels, such as in cardiomyocytes [] and vascular smooth muscle cells [].The various functions of NPY are mediated by neuropeptide Y receptors, which are members of rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptors, they are also activated by peptide YY and the pancreatic polypeptide [ ]. There are five pharmacologically distinct neuropeptide Y receptor subtypes []; neuropeptide Y receptor Y1 (Y1), neuropeptide Y receptor Y2 (Y2), neuropeptide Y receptor Y4 (Y4), neuropeptide Y receptor Y5 (Y5) and neuropeptide Y receptor Y6 (Y6). This entry represents the neuropeptide Y2 receptor. It is found in high levels in rat hippocampus [ ], superficial layers of the cortex, certain thalamic nuclei, lateral septum, and anterior olfactory nuclei [, , ], lower levels are found in striatum. The receptors are also found in high levels in smooth muscle, such as vas deferens and intestine [], kidney proximal tubules and in cell lines. Y2 receptors are believed to have a predominantly presynaptic location, and are involved in inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and voltage dependent calcium channels via a pertussis-toxin-sensitive G-protein, probably of the Gi protein class [, ]. | Name | Neuropeptide Y2 receptor |
| Short Name | NPY2_rcpt | Type | Family |
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