Effects of Di-isononyl Phthalate on Neuropeptide Y Expression in Differentiating Human Neuronal Cells

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is an abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian brain important for behavioural consequences of stress and energy metabolism. We have addressed possible effects of the phthalate DiNP on NPY expression in human SH-SY5Y cells, a neuronal in vitro differentiation model. Pico- to nanomolar doses of DiNP and its metabolite MiNP resulted in decreased NPY mRNA and peptide expression in retinoid-differentiated cells. Thus, dys-regulated NPY may be an adverse outcome for exposure to low doses of DiNP in human beings.