Stress-Induced Hypertension and Increased Sympathetic Activity in Mice Overexpressing Neuropeptide Y in Noradrenergic Neurons

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a sympathetic neurotransmitter co-stored and co-released with noradrenaline and adrenaline. We have constructed a novel NPY transgenic mouse model (OE-NPY(DBH) mouse) where targeted overexpression results in increased levels of NPY in the brainstem and adrenal glands. The present study was aimed to understand the role of NPY released from sympathetic nerves and brain noradrenergic neurons in regulation of blood pressure, and behavioral responses to stress. METHODS: Blood pressure was measured by radiotelemetry in conscious male OE-NPY(DBH) and wild-type mice during surgical stress and in baseline conditions. Plasma and adrenal gland catecholamine levels were measured at baseline. Acute immobilization and cold exposure were used to study the plasma levels of NPY and corticosterone in stress, and brown adipose tissue thermogenic activity was measured with [(3)H]GDP binding after cold. RESULTS: Here, we demonstrate that sympathoadrenal activity is enhanced in the OE-NPY(DBH) mice. Blood pressure during surgical stress was significantly increased in comparison with wild-type controls. Furthermore, OE-NPY(DBH) mice showed sexually dimorphic NPY responses to stress, and an anxiolytic-like behavior in elevated plus-maze and light-dark tests. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the overactive noradrenergic NPY system plays a role in regulation of blood pressure and adaptive responses to stress, and may be a link between chronic stress and adiposity-associated disturbances in metabolism.