Neuropeptide Y (NPY)-containing nerves in mammalian ureter.

The distribution of neuropeptide Y in the ureter of the rat, rabbit, and man has been determined by radioimmunoassay and chromatographic analysis of the tissue extract. The localization of neuropeptide Y-immunoreactivity has been identified by immunocytochemistry. A regional distribution of neuropeptide Y was found; highest concentrations being present in the ureterovesical junction. Throughout the ureter, neuropeptide Y-immunoreactive nerve fibers were identified to surround the blood vessels and a few plexuses of neuropeptide Y-containing nerves were present within the muscle layers. Neuropeptide Y was not present within ganglion cells. Treatment of rats with 6-hydroxydopamine resulted in a significant reduction of neuropeptide Y concentrations in the upper, middle, and lower thirds of the ureter. This depletion in extractable neuropeptide Y was associated with morphologic changes typical of axonal degeneration of the neuropeptide Y-containing nerve fibers.