Neuropeptide Y (NPY)
Endogenous NeuropeptideresearchAlso known as: NPY, Neuropeptide Tyrosine
A 36-amino acid neuropeptide abundantly expressed in the brain and sympathetic nervous system that regulates appetite, stress resilience, anxiety, and energy homeostasis.
Overview
Neuropeptide Y is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in the mammalian brain, first isolated from porcine brain in 1982. It belongs to the pancreatic polypeptide family and acts through Y1-Y6 receptor subtypes. NPY is a potent orexigenic (appetite-stimulating) signal in the hypothalamus, and plays crucial roles in stress adaptation, anxiety modulation, circadian rhythms, and cardiovascular regulation. Higher NPY levels are associated with stress resilience — Special Forces soldiers who performed best under extreme stress had the highest NPY levels. Research interest spans obesity, PTSD, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and cardiovascular disease. NPY receptor antagonists are being explored for obesity, while NPY agonism may treat anxiety and PTSD.
Mechanism of Action
NPY acts through multiple receptor subtypes: (1) Y1 receptors in the hypothalamus stimulate food intake and modulate anxiety; (2) Y2 receptors serve as presynaptic autoreceptors regulating NPY and other neurotransmitter release; (3) Y5 receptors in the hypothalamus mediate orexigenic effects; (4) Peripheral Y1/Y2 receptors cause vasoconstriction and modulate sympathetic nervous system output; (5) Central NPY release during stress promotes resilience and anxiolysis; (6) Modulates circadian rhythms through actions in the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
Molecular Formula
C190H287N55O57
Molecular Weight
4253.68 g/mol
Sequence
Tyr-Pro-Ser-Lys-Pro-Asp-Asn-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Pro-Ala-Glu-Asp-Met-Ala-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ser-Ala-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Ile-Asn-Leu-Ile-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-NH2
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
N/A – N/A
Frequency
N/A
Route
N/A
Cycle Length
N/A
NPY is studied as a biomarker and therapeutic target. Intranasal NPY is being investigated for PTSD and anxiety in clinical trials. No approved dosing exists.
Source: Clinical trial registries
🧮 Personalized Dosage Calculator
💰 Estimated Pricing
Typical Supply
1mg vial
Last Updated
2026-02
Appetite/stress-regulating neuropeptide. Research chemical only. Academic supplier pricing. Not used therapeutically.
⚠️ Prices are estimates based on publicly available data and may vary significantly by vendor, location, and prescription status. This is not medical or financial advice.
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Increased appetite | mild |
| Sedation | mild |
| Blood pressure changes | moderate |
Pros & Cons
Key mediator of stress resilience — higher levels correlate with better performance under extreme stress
Potential therapeutic target for PTSD, anxiety disorders, and epilepsy
Intranasal NPY showing promise in early clinical trials for stress-related disorders
Strong appetite stimulation could promote weight gain as an unintended effect
Complex receptor pharmacology makes therapeutic targeting challenging
No approved formulations; still in early clinical development
Research Studies
🩸 Blood Work
No specific bloodwork requirements reported for this peptide. General health panels are always recommended before starting any peptide protocol.
Legal Status
Endogenous neuropeptide. Available as research reagent. No approved therapeutic formulations. NPY receptor-targeted drugs are in various stages of development.
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