Figure 1 - A new role for neuropeptide Y.

Kuo et al.³ focus on the direct effects of neuropeptide (NPY) on adipocyte physiology in repeatedly stressed animals fed a palatable high-fat diet. NPY acts on preadipocytes, endothelial cells and macrophages to promote adipocyte proliferation and maturation as well as to induce new capillaries to supply nutrients to the increased fat mass. NPY is secreted from sympathetic nerve terminals in response to stressors. The blockade of either NPY receptors or glucocorticoid receptors blocks the abdominal obesity that occurs with stressors and a high-fat diet.

Katie Ris