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The Impact Of The Neuropeptide Y System On The Progression Of Breast Cancer, Philip J. Medeiros

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Chronic stress is associated with elevated levels of sympathetic neurotransmitter release and immunosuppression. A growing body of evidence suggests that stress-related factors may contribute to the initiation, development and progression of breast cancer. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has recently been determined as such a factor, however few investigations have addressed the functional effects of NPY on breast cells and tumors. Thus, the overall objective of this thesis was to elucidate the mechanisms by which NPY may contribute to the disease. Using the 4T1 murine breast cancer model, we began by first characterizing NPY receptor expression in cancer cells and tumors. Y1R, …