Microinjection of neuropeptide Y into periaqueductal grey produces anti-nociception in rats with mononeuropathy.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the midbrain periaqueductal grey (PAG) on the nociceptive modulation in mononeuropathic rats. NPY was microinjected into the PAG. The latency of paw withdrawal (PWL), assessed by the hot-plate (52 ) and the Randall Selitto test, was measured. Intra-PAG administration of 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 nmol of NPY significantly increased the PWLs in a dose-dependent manner. Co-administration of 0.2 nmol of NPY(28-36) and 5.5 nmol of naloxone significantly attenuated the NPY-induced increase in PWLs. The results suggest that Y(1) receptor may mediate NPY-induced anti-nociception, and that the opioid receptors in PAG may also be involved in this process in mononeuropathic rats.