Neuropeptide Y--a neuromodulatory link between nutrition and reproduction at the central nervous system level

The deficiency of nutrients in mammals' diets results in impaired gonadal function, especially in restraining of processes leading to puberty and disturbances in the course of the estrous cycle. The decreased GnRH/LH pulsatile secretion has been proposed as the most important etiological factor for nutritionally induced suppression of pituitary-ovarian functions. Although the relationship between nutrition and reproduction has been extensively investigated, little information exists about the exact mechanism connecting these two processes. One of the candidates is neuropeptide Y (NPY), synthesized in the hypothalamus. In the present paper, we reviewed the distribution of the NPY neurons, its receptors, contacts with other hypothalamic centers and its orexigenic properties. Next, we discussed the participation of NPY in the regulation of GnRH/LH secretion and underlined its dual role in the control of the reproductive system and nutritional state of organism. This information confirmed the hypothesis that NPY can be a candidate for a link between nutrition and reproduction at the level of the central nervous system.