[Effects of neuropeptide Y on behavior and noradrenaline level in the brain]

The administration of neuropeptide Y in lower doses (1 and 100 ng/rat) into the lateral ventricle of the brain gave rise to the inhibition of locomotor activity, weakening of the orienting-exploratory behaviour, increase in the period of rest in animals. Feeding and drinking behaviour after the administration of neuropeptide was not observed. Alterations of behaviour in rats were followed by a dose-depended increase in noradrenaline in hypothalamus. No changes were observed in the content of noradrenaline in the frontal cortex and septum. Some variations in the level of noradrenaline were found in amygdala and hippocamp. It may be assumed that behavioural effects, aroused by the central administration of neuropeptide Y, is connected with the activation of catecholaminergic systems of hypothalamus.