Distribution of neuropeptide Y in the forebrain and diencephalon: an immunohistochemical analysis.

The distribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-like immunoreactive (NPYI) structures in the rat forebrain and upper brainstem was examined by means of indirect immunofluorescence and peroxidase-antiperoxidase methods. The present study has demonstrated a much wider and more abundant distribution of NPYI structures in the forebrain and diencephalon than earlier studies in which antisera against avian pancreatic polypeptide or bovine pancreatic polypeptide were used, suggesting that NPY is involved in a variety of brain functions.