The therapeutic potential of neuropeptide Y in cardiovascular disease

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a widely distributed peptide neurotransmitter, is implicated in both the central and peripheral control of the cardiovascular system. Pathological changes in endogenous NPY release and receptor function may contribute to the development and maintenance of hypertension, myocardial ischaemia and cardiac failure. At least six NPY receptor subtypes are known to exist, and the activation of a certain number of these results in complex central and peripheral changes in cardiovascular function. The cloning and sequencing of NPY receptor subtypes has led to the possibility of developing subtype-specific ligands targeted at NPY receptors, and this article will consider their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease.