Altered neuropeptide Y Y1 responses in mesenteric arteries in rats with congestive heart failure

The aim of the present study was to elucidate if the potentiating effect of neuropeptide Y on various vasoactive agents in vitro is (1) altered in mesenteric arteries from rats with congestive heart failure and (2) mediated by the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor. The direct vascular effects of neuropeptide Y and its modulating effects on the contractions induced by endothelin-1-, noradrenaline-, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-, U46619-(9,11-dideoxy-11alpha, 9alpha-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F2alpha) and ATP, and acetylcholine-induced dilatations were studied in the presence and absence of the neuropeptide Y Y1 antagonist, BIBP3226 (BIBP3226?(R)-N2-(diphenylacetyl)-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)methyl ]-D-arginine-amide?). Neuropeptide Y, per se, had no vasoactive effect in the arteries. The potency of endothelin-1 was significantly decreased in congestive heart failure rats. Neuropeptide Y and neuropeptide Y-(13-36) potentiated the endothelin-1-induced contraction in congestive heart failure mesenteric arteries. In 20% of the congestive heart failure rats, sarafotoxin 6c induced a contraction of 31+/-4%. Neuropeptide Y also potentiated U46619- and noradrenaline-induced contractions but not 5-HT-induced contractions in congestive heart failure arteries. In sham-operated animals neuropeptide Y potentiated noradrenaline- and 5-HT-induced contractions. These potentiations were inhibited by BIBP3226. Acetylcholine induced an equipotent relaxation in both groups which was unaffected by neuropeptide Y. In conclusion, neuropeptide Y responses are altered in congestive heart failure rats. The potentiating effect differs between vasoactive substances. Neuropeptide Y Y1 and non-neuropeptide Y1 receptors are involved.