Neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino acid peptide neurotransmitter found in the CNS and autonomic nervous system.

NPY has roles in appetite, the regulation of energy balance, memory and learning, and epilepsy. The main effect is increased food intake and decreased physical activity.

NPY neurons are found in the the hypothalamus and increases food intake and the proportion of energy stored as fat, as well as blocking nociceptive signals to the brain.