Title: Editorial Central & Peripheral Nervous Systems: Will neuropeptide Y receptor antagonists offer new therapeutic approaches?
Abstract:Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors are widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. A multitude of biological effects have been attributed to NPY, and the peptide is, for inst...Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and its receptors are widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. A multitude of biological effects have been attributed to NPY, and the peptide is, for instance, involved in regulation of food intake and is one of the most potent stimuli of ingestive behaviour. Moreover, it is a potent vasoconstrictor and is believed to be a regulator of central and peripheral cardiovascular function. NPY may be involved in pathophysiological states, like eating disorders and cardiovascular diseases. The peptide acts at multiple G-protein coupled receptors, several of which have been cloned and sequenced. Many pharmaceutical companies are in the process of developing drugs which act on NPY targets, and a number of peptide and non-peptide based NPY receptor antagonists have recently been described. Such compounds are essential in the investigation of the physiological role of NPY and some of them appear to be promising leads for drug development. The specific hypothalamic NPY receptor, which mediates food intake is a target of major interest for drug development. Some NPY receptor antagonists have been shown to inhibit NPY-evoked and natural feeding response. Similarly, NPY receptor antagonists which act specifically on hypothalamic NPY receptors could be evaluated for the treatment of anorexia or bulimia nervosa and obesity. Another set of potent NPY receptor antagonists have been shown to block NPY-mediated pressor and vasoconstrictor responses. Although there is a large arsenal of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders already on the market, vascular NPY receptor antagonists could also be examined as alternative therapeutics in this area.Read More
Publication Year: 1995
Publication Date: 1995-10-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 4
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