Renal effects of neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a co-transmitter of the sympathetic nervous system including the renal nerves. The kidney expresses NPY receptors, which can also be activated by peptide YY (PYY), a circulating hormone released from gastrointestinal cells. Five subtypes of NPY receptors have been cloned, among which Y1, Y2 and Y5 appear to be involved in the regulation of renal function. NPY produces potent renal vasoconstriction in vitro in isolated...