[Influence of exercise on plasma concentration of neuropeptide Y in patients with essential hypertension]

Abstract

Overactivity of sympathetic nervous system may lead to hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess changes of plasma concentration of neuropeptide Y in patients with hypertension after exercise.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 46 patients with hypertension; the control group consisted of 29 healthy individuals. Plasma concentrations of neuropeptide Y, aldosterone, catecholamines and plasma renin activity were assessed before and after exercise performed on the treadmill.

Results: Plasma concentrations of aldosterone, catecholamines and plasma renin activity increased in both groups but plasma concentration of neuropeptide Y increased only in the hypertensive group (52.4 +/- 100.2 pg/ml vs 103.4 +/- 206.7 pg/ml, p < 0.05) but not in controls (51 +/- 36.3 pg/ml vs 70.8 +/- 134.9 pg/ml, p = NS).

Conclusion: The increase of plasma concentration of neuropeptide Y after exercise in hypertensive group, but not in controls, indicates sympathetic nervous system overactivity in the study group.