Hypothalamic Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Controls Hepatic VLDL-Triglyceride Secretion in Rats via the Sympathetic Nervous System

Eveline Bruinstroop, Lei Pei, Mariëtte T. Ackermans, Ewout Foppen, Anke J. Borgers, Joan Kwakkel, Anneke Alkemade, Eric Fliers, Andries Kalsbeek

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Abstract

Excessive secretion of triglyceride-rich very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-TG) contributes to diabetic dyslipidemia. Earlier studies have indicated a possible role for the hypothalamus and autonomic nervous system in the regulation of VLDL-TG. In the current study, we investigated whether the autonomic nervous system and hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) release during fasting regulates hepatic VLDL-TG secretion. We report that, in fasted rats, an intact hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and hepatic sympathetic innervation are necessary to maintain VLDL-TG secretion. Furthermore, the hepatic sympathetic innervation is necessary to mediate the stimulatory effect of intracerebroventricular administration of NPY on VLDL-TG secretion. Since the intracerebroventicular administration of NPY increases VLDL-TG secretion by the liver without affecting lipolysis, its effect on lipid metabolism appears to be selective to the liver. Together, our findings indicate that the increased release of NPY during fasting stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to maintain VLDL-TG secretion at a postprandial level. Diabetes 61:1043-1050, 2012
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1043-1050
JournalDiabetes
Volume61
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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