title: Peripheral hyperalgesia in experimental neuropathy: exacerbation by neuropeptide Y.
abstract: Injury of peripheral nerves often results in hyperalgesia (an increased sensitivity to painful stimuli). This hyperalgesia is mediated in part by sympathetic neurotransmitters. We examined the effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY), specific Y1 and Y2 agonists, and an NPY antagonist on peripheral hyperalgesia in rats whose sciatic nerves had been partially transected. NPY and the Y2 agonist, N-acetyl [Leu28,Leu31] NPY 24-36 exacerbated both mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, while the Y1 agonist, [Leu31, Pro34]NPY relieved thermal hyperalgesia. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were both relieved by alpha-trinositol (PP56), a non-competitive antagonist of the actions of neuropeptide Y. Hyperalgesia was also relieved by surgical sympathectomy, which eliminated the effects of NPY and its agonists. These results suggest that neuropeptide Y contributes to peripheral hyperalgesia by actions at Y2 receptors, which may be located on postganglionic sympathetic terminals.
authors.affiliation: School of Anatomy, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tracey
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Romm
authors.forename: N N
authors.initials: NN
authors.lastname: Yao
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D006930:Hyperalgesia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007295:Inositol Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000187:drug effects; D013562:Sympathectomy
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007295:Inositol Phosphates; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; C059368:atrinositol