Neuropeptide Y (NPY) in Human Nasal Mucosa

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a potent vasoconstrictor peptide found in sympathetic neurons, was analyzed in human inferior turbinate nasal mucosal tissue. NPY content determined by radioimmunoassay was 3.13 +/- 0.79 pmol/g tissue (n = 6) in mucosa extracted with ethanol-acetic acid. NPY-immunoreactive nerves were found around small muscular arteries, arterioles, arteriovenous anastomoses, and as free fibers near arteriolar and venous vessels. They formed a plexus around the arterial vessels, and were also present between vascular smooth muscle cells. Few NPY fibers were present near glands or the epithelium. [125I]NPY binding sites were localized by autoradiography to small muscular arteries, arterioles, and a few venous sinusoids. In explant culture experiments, 4 microM NPY did not stimulate release of [3H]glucosamine-labeled glycoconjugates or lactoferrin (a product of serous cells) from nasal mucosal fragments. Degradation of NPY by a tissue homogenate was rapid (t1/2 = 13.5 +/- 2.3 min). The degradation was inhibited by thiorphan and phosphoramidon, inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase activity. NPY released from sympathetic neurons may play a role as a constrictor of arterial vessels and regulate vasomotor tone in the human nasal mucosa.