Effects of Neuropeptide Y and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide on Local Cerebral Blood Flow in Rat Striatum

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Abstract
The effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on local cerebral blood flow (LCBF) were studied in vivo in rat striatum. Administration of 1 and 5 nmol NPY as a bolus into the internal carotid artery caused a dose-dependent decrease in the ipsilateral striatal LCBF. This decrease developed slowly and persisted for at least 2 h, without affecting mean blood pressure. In contrast, CGRP, at a concentration of 10 pmol, increased striatal LCBF by about 30%, and the duration of the increase was about 1 h. However, at higher doses of CGRP no increase in LCBF was observed. These results suggest that NPY and CGRP released from nerve fibers innervating blood vessels can function as long-acting modulators of CBF.