Neuropeptide Y enhances proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells

In recent years, emerging evidence has illustrated the indispensable role of sympathetic neurotransmitters and their receptors in cartilage mediation. The presence of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-positive sympathetic nerve fibres in cartilage and NPY-secretion function in chondrocytes raises the possibility of NPY directly regulating the function of chondrocytes. Therefore, this study intended to evaluate the effect of NPY and its receptors on the proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cells. Results showed NPY, especially at a concentration of 10^-10 M, to significantly enhance proliferation of ATDC5 cells. Moreover, NPY effectively facilitated early chondrogenesis and late hypertrophy/mineralisation of ATDC5 cells via Y1 receptor signalling, rather than via Y2 receptor signalling. Taken together, the results help us to understand how NPY and its receptors affect the function of chondrocytes.