EFFECTS OF LOCALIZED INJECTIONS OF NEUROPEPTIDE-Y ANTIBODY ON MOTOR-ACTIVITY AND OTHER BEHAVIORS

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) was shown to increase feeding when injected into the hypothalamus. Neuropeptide Y antibody (aNPY) decreased feeding in the ventromedial area of the hypothalamus as well as when it was injec ted into the ventromedial or ventrolateral areas of the thalamus, but not when injected into other hypothalamic areas. The decrease in feedi ng produced by aNPY in the hypothalamus was associated with a sterotyp ic increase in general activity in the hypothalamus, circling in the v entromedial thalamic area, and barrel rolling in the ventrolateral tha lamic area. Neuropeptide Y antibody also reduced by 54-73% the time it required for mice to recover from anesthesia. The marked increase in stereotypic activity and enhanced recovery from anethestic suggest tha t blocking endogenous NPY released the brain areas from inhibitory con trol. These studies further confirm a physiological role for NPY in th e central nervous system.