Involvement of NPY Y2 receptor subtype in the control of the spontaneous NO/GnRH release at the rat median eminence.

The role of nitric oxide (NO) from vascular endothelium in the control of GnRH release at the median eminence (ME) level is well established. Interactions between NPY receptor/endothelium/nitric oxide are clearly demonstrated. While several studies implicate NPY Y1 receptor in the control of GnRH/LH at the time of the preovulatory LH surge, our results also demonstrate the importance of NPY Y2 receptor in the control of GnRH release via endothelial NO. We conclude that NPY may be one of the elements implicated in the generation of the spontaneous NO/GnRH via Y2 receptor located on endothelium.