Neuropeptides, Including Neuropeptide Y and Melanocortins, Mediate Lipolysis in Murine Adipocytes

Abstract

In addition to their centrally mediated actions, appetite-regulating neuropeptides modulate adipose tissue mass through direct peripheral effects. Systemic administration of pharmacological agents altering the effects of these neuropeptides may form the basis of future obesity therapies. Thus, some of these agents will likely have direct effects on adipocytes that may serve to alter their therapeutic effectiveness.