Neuropeptide Y (NPY) reduces field stimulation-evoked release of noradrenaline and enhances force of contraction in the rat portal vein

The effect of neuropeptide Y (NPY) on fractional tritium-noradrenaline (3H-NA) release and contractile activity was studied in the isolated portal vein of SHR and WKY rats. NPY (5 X 10(-7) M) enhanced the force of the spontaneous contractile activity by about 40%. The fractional 3H-release elicited by transmural nerve stimulation (TNS), which mainly reflects 3H-NA, was reduced by about 40% after preincubation with 5 X 10(-7) M NPY in portal veins from both SHR and WKY rats. The inhibitory effect of NPY on TNS-evoked 3H-release was more slowly reversed by washout than the facilitatory action on spontaneous contractile force. The contractile response to field stimulation was not reduced by NPY, but rather tended to be increased. It is concluded that NPY exerts a dual action in the SHR and WKY portal vein, thus enhancing the smooth muscle contractions and inhibiting sympathetic neurotransmission. The inhibitory effect of NPY on TNS-evoked NA efflux, which is present in both SHR and WKY rats, is most likely due to a presynaptic site of action.