Autoinhibitory function of the sympathetic prejunctional neuropeptide Y Y(2) receptor evidenced by BIIE0246

The significance of neuropeptide Y Y(2) receptors in sympathetic nonadrenergic transmission was investigated using the novel selective antagonist BIIE0246 ((S)-N2-[[1-[2-[4-[(R,S)-5,11-dihydro-6(6h)-oxodibenz[b,e]azepin-11-yl]-1-piperazinyl]-2-oxoethyl]cyclopentyl]acetyl]-N-[2-[1,2-dihydro-3,5 (4H)-dioxo-1,2-diphenyl-3H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl]ethyl]-argininamide). In anaesthetized pigs pretreated with reserpine, and after transection of sympathetic nerves (depleted of noradrenaline), electrical stimulation of renal and splanchnic sympathetic nerves evoked vasoconstriction in, and overflow of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity from, kidney and spleen, respectively. In the presence of BIIE0246, the nerve-evoked overflows of neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity were markedly increased and the splenic vasoconstrictor response prolonged. In addition, BIIE0246 caused splenic vasodilatation per se in this model where basal levels of circulating neuropeptide Y exceed 40 pM. It is concluded that endogenous neurogenical neuropeptide Y regulates its own release via activation of sympathetic prejunctional inhibitory neuropeptide Y Y(2) receptors in both spleen and kidney in the reserpinized pig. Moreover, when circulating levels of neuropeptide Y are moderately increased, activation of neuropeptide Y Y(2) receptors seems to contribute to basal splenic vascular tone.