Functional NPY variation as a factor in stress resilience and alcohol consumption in rhesus macaques.

ABSTRACT:

Context

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) counters stress and is involved in neuroadaptations that drive escalated alcohol drinking in rodents. In humans, low NPY expression predicts amygdala response and emotional reactivity. Genetic variation that affects the NPY system could moderate stress resilience and susceptibility to alcohol dependence.

Objective

To determine whether functional NPY variation influences behavioral adaptation to stress and alcohol consumption in a nonhuman primate model of early adversity (peer rearing).

Design

We sequenced the rhesus macaque NPY locus (rhNPY) and performed in silico analysis to identify functional variants. We performed gel shift assays using nuclear extract from testes, brain, and hypothalamus. Levels of NPY in cerebrospinal fluid were me

SUBMITTER: Lindell SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2963624 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature