Neuropeptide Y1 receptors in the rat genital tract.
Using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the expression of type 1 neuropeptide Y (NPY) receptors (Y1-Rs) has been demonstrated in the rat genital tract. In the male Y1-R mRNA and Y1-R-like immunoreactivity (LI) were found in smooth muscles of predominantly arterioles and small arteries inside testis. Fibers showing NPY-LI could not be detected within testis but only in the tunica albuginea. These Y1-Rs are suggested to mediate vasoconstriction, possibly activated by NPY released from nerves in the tunica albuginea. In the female rat Y1-R mRNA, but not Y1-R-LI was found in vascular smooth muscles of arteries in the ovary and oviduct. In the oviduct Y1-R mRNA was also detected in the non-vascular smooth muscle layer. Fibers showing NPY-LI were found around blood vessels both in the ovary and oviduct. In the female genital tract also Y1-Rs may thus be involved in regulatory mechanisms mediating, for example, vasoconstriction.
Kopp
J
J
Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Jutta.Kopp@neuro.ki.se
Zhang
X
X
Hökfelt
T
T
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005836:Genitalia, Female / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005837:Genitalia, Male / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D010053:Ovary / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D017476:Receptors, Neuropeptide Y / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D017476:Receptors, Neuropeptide Y; C097212:neuropeptide Y-Y1 receptor