[Neuropeptide Y, orthosympathetic nervous system, hypertension and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors]

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is coreleased with noradrenaline (NA) from sympathetic nerve endings. In vitro data suggest that NPY is coreleased during high stimulation frequencies. The present study investigates plasma levels of catecholamines and neuropeptide Y (NPY) during changes in sympathetic nervous activity in conscious dogs. Increase in sympathetic tone: arterial hypertension elicited by sinoaortic denervation induced an increase (X 2) in plasma noradrenaline (NA) but no change in NPY levels. High (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) but not low (0.05 mg/kg i.v.) doses of yohimbine rose plasma NPY concentrations. Decrease in sympathetic tone: clonidine (10 micrograms/kg i.v.) but not beta-blocking agents (propranolol or atenolol: 1 mg/kg i.v.) reduced plasma NPY levels. These results show that NPY is correleased in vivo from sympathetic nerve endings during marked and rapid increases in sympathetic tone. They suggest a lack of relationship between NA and NPY release. Alpha 2-adrenoceptors are involved in the presynaptic control of NPY release from sympathetic tone. Finally, some antihypertensive drugs (clonidine but not beta-blocking agents) are able to decrease plasma NPY levels.