Neuropeptide Y stimulates beta-endorphin release in the basal hypothalamus: role of gonadal steroids.
Recent pharmacological and morphological studies have raised the likelihood of a regulatory link between the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and beta-endorphin (beta-END) networks in the hypothalamus. To evaluate this link we have examined the effects of NPY administration on the in vivo release of beta-END by push-pull perfusion of the basal hypothalamus. Results showed that centrally injected NPY stimulated the in vivo release of beta-END. This effect was evident only in the absence of testicular steroids since NPY failed to alter beta-END release in intact rats. These data suggest that the well-documented effects of NPY such as inhibition of pituitary gonadotropin release in gonadectomized rats and stimulation of feeding may be mediated, in part, by stimulation of beta-END.
Kalra
P S
PS
Department of Physiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610-0274, USA.
Norlin
M
M
Kalra
S P
SP
D000818:Animals; D006066:Gonads / Q000502:physiology*; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000378:metabolism*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008845:Microinjections; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009919:Orchiectomy; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013256:Steroids / Q000502:physiology; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D013256:Steroids; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone