NPY and NPY Receptors in Vascular Remodeling

Abstract

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a sympathetic neurotransmitter that acts on multiple receptors (Y1-Y6) and exerts a variety of cardiovascular effects. Originally known as a vasoconstrictor acting on Y1 receptors, NPY is also a potent angiogenic factor as well as a powerful stimulator of vascular smooth muscle proliferation and atherogenesis in vitro and in vivo. These two types of vascular remodeling are predominantly mediated by Y2/Y5 and Y1 receptors respectively, but evidence suggests that all receptors are activated in both conditions. A strategy to inhibit neointima formation and atherosclerotic lesions without impairing ischemic angiogenesis and collateral vessel formation has been a major challenge to overcome. Studies in rodents show that Y1 receptor antagonist inhibits angioplasty-induced atherosclerotic-like vascular remodeling, without affecting ischemic revascularization. Conversely, Y2 receptor activation appears to be sufficient to stimulate angiogenesis in various animal models. Thus, the use of selective receptor agonists to promote angiogenesis through the Y2 receptor while antagonizing the pro-atherosclerotic and pro-stenotic effects with Y1 receptor-selective antagonists may help to successfully treat vascular remodeling in cardiovascular diseases.

Dynamic changes in messenger RNA profiles of bovine endometrium during the oestrous cycle

“…TEK (TEK tyrosine kinase, endothelial; cluster 5) encodes the angiopoietin receptor TIE-2. Neuropeptide Y (cluster 3) is a potent angiogenic factor as well as a stimulator of vascular smooth muscle proliferation (Abe et al 2007).…”

Neuropeptide Y improves myocardial perfusion and function in a swine model of hypercholesterolemia and chronic myocardial ischemia

“…NPY is positioned at the beginning of the cascade that activates endothelial migration, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy [16,17]. The full length NPY 1-36 is cleaved by NPY-converting enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) to NPY in the tissues which stimulates endothelial adhesion, migration and proliferation [16,18,19]. Both animals and humans with diabetes mellitus express decreased tissue levels of NPY, possibly due to autonomic dysfunction and sympathetic neuropathy [14,18,20].…”

Expression of Neuropeptide Y, Omentin and Visfatin in Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues in Humans: Relation to Endocrine and Clinical Parameters

“…NPY is an important orexi-genic appetite regulator [12], favoring in particular the intake of carbohydrate-rich foods [13]. In addition to its effect on food intake, NPY displays numerous functions such as vasoconstriction [14] and angiogenesis [15], and exerts neuroendocrine effects on fertility [16]. It has been shown that NPY plasma levels are elevated in patients with primary hypertension [17].…”