title: Modulator role of neuropeptide Y in human vascular sympathetic neuroeffector junctions.
abstract: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies identified the mRNA coding for the Y1 and Y2 receptors in human mammary artery/vein and saphenous vein biopsies. Y1 receptors are expressed in vascular smooth muscles and potentiate the contractile action of sympathetic co-transmitters, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and noradrenaline (NA); BIBP 3226, a competitive Y1 receptor antagonist, blocked the neuropeptide Y (NPY)-induced modulation. The Y2 receptor is expressed in sympathetic nerves terminals and modulates the pool of sympathetic co-transmitters released at the neuroeffector junction. NPY plays a dual role as a modulator of sympathetic co-transmission; it facilitates vascular smooth muscle reactivity and modulates the presynaptic release of ATP and NA. Sympathetic reflexes regulate human vascular resistance, where NPY plays a modulator role of paramount importance following increased sympathetic discharges, such as stress and vascular disease.
authors.affiliation: J.V. Luco Center for Cell Regulation and Pathology, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: M Verónica
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Donoso
authors.forename: Ana María
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Delpiano
authors.forename: J Pablo
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Huidobro-Toro
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D009451:Neuroeffector Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000502:physiology*; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D009478:Neuropeptide Y