Neuropeptide YY1 and neuropeptide YY2 receptors in human cardiovascular tissues

mRNA encoding the human NPY Y-1 and NPY Y-2 receptors were detected in cerebral, meningeal, and coronary arteries using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, the trigeminal and superior cervical ganglia were positive for both receptors. In some arteries and in SK-N-MC cells only mRNA encoding the NPY Y-1 was detected. Besides the expected NPY Y-1 PCR products, an additional 97 bp longer amplicon originating from an alternative splicing event was found in most tissues studied. Antibodies directed against the NPY Y-1 receptor revealed immunostaining mainly in the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels whereas antibodies against the NPY Y-2 receptor showed immunostaining in nerve cell bodies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.