Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36 amino-acid neuropeptide that is involved in various physiological and homeostatic processes in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is secreted alongside other neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate.[5][6][7][8]
In the autonomic system it is produced mainly by neurons of the sympathetic nervous system and serves as a strong vasoconstrictor and also causes growth of fat tissue.[9] In the brain, it is produced in various locations including the hypothalamus, and is thought to have several functions, including: increasing food intake and storage of energy as fat, reducing anxiety and stress, reducing pain perception, affecting the circadian rhythm, reducing voluntary alcohol intake, lowering blood pressure, and controlling epileptic seizures.[8][10]
^Robinson SL, Thiele TE (2017). "The Role of Neuropeptide y (NPY) in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Disorders". The Role of Neuropeptides in Addiction and Disorders of Excessive Consumption. International Review of Neurobiology. Vol. 136. pp. 177–197. doi:10.1016/bs.irn.2017.06.005. ISBN9780128124734. PMID29056151.
^Kuo LE, Kitlinska JB, Tilan JU, Li L, Baker SB, Johnson MD, et al. (July 2007). "Neuropeptide Y acts directly in the periphery on fat tissue and mediates stress-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome". Nature Medicine. 13 (7): 803–811. doi:10.1038/nm1611. PMID17603492. S2CID25675166.