Neuropeptide Y (NPY; MIM 162640) is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the mammalian nervous system and exhibits a diverse range of important physiologic activities, including effects on psychomotor activity, food intake, regulation of central endocrine secretion, and potent vasoactive effects on the cardiovascular system. Two major subtypes of NPY (Y1 and Y2) have been defined by pharmacologic criteria. NPY receptors, such as NPY1R, have been identified in a variety of tissues, including brain, spleen, small intestine, kidney, testis, placenta, and aortic smooth muscle.
