Leading experts critically summarize the state of knowledge concerning the molecular, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral aspects of NPY and its congeners. Each article provides a comprehensive and in-depth survey, an overview of the role of NPY in the discipline covered, a discussion of the likely future direction that the field will take, and an up-to-date bibliography.
Chapters include a treatment of the evolution of the PP family of genes, the structure of the NPY gene, and the distribution of NPY on the cardiovascular system, actions of NPY on the electrophysiological properties of nerve cells, and the effects of NPY on feeding and behavior. The chapters are written in an accessible style and serve both as an introduction to the field and as an extensive and detailed treatment of the current state of knowledge.

Zusammenfassung
Twelve review articles by leading experts critically summarize the state of knowledge concerning molecular, anatomical, physiological and behavioural aspects of NPY and its congeners.

Inhalt
Evolution of the Neuropeptide Y Family of Peptides.- Structure and Expression of the Neuropeptide Y Gene.- Organization of Neuropeptide Y Neurons in the Mammalian Central Nervous System.- PP, PYY, and NPY: Occurrence and Distribution in the Periphery.- Characterization of Receptor Types for Neuropeptide Y and Related Peptides.- Actions of Neuropeptide Y on the Electrophysiological Properties of Nerve Cells.- The Role of NPY and Related Peptides in the Control of Gastrointestinal Function.- Origin and Actions of Neuropeptide Y in the Cardiovascular System.- Central Cadiovascular Actions of Neuropeptide Y.- Neuropeptide Y Actions on Reproductive and Endocrine Functions.- Neuropeptide Y in Multiple Hypothalamic Sites Controls Eating Behavior, Endocrine, and Autonomic Systems for Body Energy Balance.- Neuropeptide Y in Relation to Behavior and Psychiatric Disorders: Some Animal and Clinical Observations.