Changes in neuropeptide Y (NPY) - Nerves and in NPY binding in the seminal vesicles and prostate gland of the streptozotocin-treated diabetic rat

This study focuses on the Neuropeptide Y (NPY) nerves in the diabetic prostate gland and seminal vesicle; the investigation concerns the changes in the NPY innervation, and in the density of NPY-binding sites in the post-synaptic tissues are also examined. The NPY nerves were visualised using immunocytochemistry, and NPY-binding sites were examined using quantitative autoradiography. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes caused an increased density of NPY containing nerves combined with a reduction in the density of NPY-binding sites. This suggests that there may be an increase in NPY release associated with a down-regulation of NPY-receptors. In conclusion there is an increase in the density of staining for NPY in the axons and sympaqthetic varicosities in the diabetic seminal vesicle and prostate gland. Associated with these changes in the nerve terminals, it appears that the release of NPY in the seminal vesicle may be concomitantly increased as there is a statistically significant decrease in the number of NPY-binding sites in the tissues.