Zinc elevates neuropeptide Y levels in rat pheochromocytoma cells by a mechanism independent of L-channel mediated inhibition of release.
Both zinc and neuropeptide Y (NPY) have been implicated as playing a role in seizures and feeding behavior. We investigated the hypothesis that zinc could regulate levels of NPY, and found that chronic exposure to 50-100 microM zinc increased levels of cellular NPY in cultured PC12 cells grown in the presence of nerve growth factor. Zinc's effect on NPY was specific, time- and concentration-dependent, and independent of inhibition of NPY release secondary to blockade of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. These results are consistent with a role for zinc in regulating hippocampal NPY following high-frequency neuronal activity.
Schwartz
P J
PJ
Department of Biology, Williams College, Bronfman Science Center, 18 Hoxsey Street, Williamstown, MA, 01267, USA.
Grote
S K
SK
Stephans
K L
KL
Adler
E M
EM
D000818:Animals; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016501:Neurites / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000494:pharmacology; D016716:PC12 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D015032:Zinc / Q000494:pharmacology*
D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D020746:Calcium Channels, L-Type; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D009543:Nifedipine; D015032:Zinc