Neuropeptide Y: regional distribution chromatographic characterization and immunohistochemical demonstration in post-mortem human brain.

Using a neuropeptide Y (NPY)-directed radioimmunoassay the post-mortem stability of NPY was assessed in both rat and human brain samples. The regional distribution of NPY-like immunoreactivity in human brain was determined. The NPY-like immunoreactivity in human brain separated on Sephadex G-50 columns and 18C reverse phase at the position expected for NPY. Immunohistochemical staining using the NPY-directed antiserum revealed a characteristic population of cortical and striatal neurons containing NPY-like immunoreactivity.