Neuropeptide Y in the arcuate nucleus is modulated by alterations in glucose utilization

This study examined the response of hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) to specific metabolic challenges. After intraperitoneal administration of 2-deoxy-D-glucose, which blocks glucose utilization, NPY levels measured via radioimmunoassay were significantly potentiated in the arcuate (ARC) and suprachiasmatic nuclei of the rat hypothalamus. The antimetabolite mercaptoacetate, in contrast, which blocks fatty acid oxidation, produced no significant change and actually tended to reduce NPY levels in the ARC. It is concluded that glucose utilization, in particular, may constitute an important signal, either direct or indirect, in the modulation of NPY production in the hypothalamus.