Interactions between the neuropeptide Y system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

The aim of this paper is to review the present knowledge of interactions be tween the neuropeptide Y (NPY) system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrena l (HPA) axis. On the basis of in vitro and in vivo studies of various anima l species, we review the effects of NPY on all levels of HPA axis activity. We also describe the effects of glucocorticosteroids on the NPY system in the hypothalamus, including interactions between glucocorticosteroids and i nsulin. On the basis of available literature, we discuss the role of these interactions in the control of food intake and in the pathogenesis of obesi ty.