Central administration of NPY or an NPY-Y5 selective agonist increase in vivo extracellular monoamine levels in mesocorticolimbic projecting areas

NPY mediates reward activity of morphine, via NPY Y1 receptors, in the nucleus accumbens shell

“…Information on the role of NPY as a neurotransmitter in the pathophysiology of reward and addiction is emerging [14]. NPY injections increased heroin self-administration, and reinstated extinguished heroin-seeking behavior [49].…”

“…NPY has emerged as a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in the reward process [14]. Intra-Acb injections of NPY produced place preference [15].…”

Neuromodulatory function of neuropeptides in the normal CNS

“…Among the neuropeptides enhancing dopamine release are NTS (Fawaz et al, 2009) and NPY (Quarta et al, 2011;Silva et al, 2005) in nucleus accumbens, CRF (Wanat et al, 2008) and galanin (Weiss et al, 2005) in VTA. NTS also induces a release of serotonin in the rostral ventromedial medulla (Buhler et al, 2005).…”

A role for neuropeptide Y Y5 but not the Y1-receptor subtype in food deprivation-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking in the rat

“…Consistent with this suggestion, it was reported that NPY Y5-receptor protein and mRNA are strongly expressed in mesolimbic regions such as the NAc (Wolak et al 2003) and VTA (Morin and Gehlert 2006;Parker and Herzog 1999). More recently, it was reported that extracellular DA levels were enhanced in mesocorticolimbic projecting areas, including NAc, following central administration of either NPY or a Y5-selective agonist (cPP1-7, NPY19-23, Ala31, Aib32, and Gln34) hPP (Quarta et al 2011). Thus, it is plausible that NPY mediates behaviors associated with dopamine release in the mesocorticolimbic pathway, including reinstatement of drug seeking, via activation of NPY Y5-receptors, and administration of Lu AA33810 might have interfered with this effect in our fooddeprived rats.…”