Neuropeptide Y Y1 and neuropeptide Y Y2 receptors in human cardiovascular tissues

mRNA encoding the human NPY Y1 and NPY Y2 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 Y1 was detected. Besides the expected NPY Y1 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 Y1 receptor revealed immunostaining mainly in the smooth muscle layer of blood vessels whereas antibodies against the NPY Y2 receptor showed immunostaining in nerve cell bodies.