Peptide YY

also known as: PYY, PYY3-36, Peptide Tyrosine Tyrosine

The postprandial 'stop eating' signal — an endogenous satiety peptide that reduces appetite via the Y2 receptor, and a pharmacological target for next-generation obesity drugs.

A 36-amino-acid peptide released from intestinal L-cells after meals, whose truncated form PYY3-36 acts as a potent satiety factor via hypothalamic Y2 receptors.

Mechanism of action

PYY3-36 selectively activates the Y2 receptor, a presynaptic inhibitory GPCR on NPY/AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus. Inhibits orexigenic drive, slows gastric emptying, and reduces intestinal motility. Released proportionally to caloric load. Levels are reduced in obesity, suggesting a potential therapeutic role.

Primary uses

Satiety signaling research
Obesity pathophysiology studies
Gut-brain axis research
Bariatric surgery mechanism studies

Typical dosing

0.2–0.8 pmol/kg/min IV infusion (research only) (intravenous)

Research tool only. No therapeutic formulation.

Regulatory status

Not approved as a therapeutic. Active area of obesity pharmacology research. PYY analogs in preclinical development.

References

[pubmed] Batterham RL, et al. "Gut hormone PYY3-36 physiologically inhibits food intake." Nature, 2002;418:650-654.
[review] Karra E, Batterham RL. "The role of gut hormones in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis." Mol Cell Endocrinol, 2010;316:120-128.

Related peptides

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Tirzepatide

A once-weekly GLP-1/GIP dual agonist that produced unprecedented weight loss in SURMOUNT trials — up to ~21% at highest dose.

Glucagon

The endogenous counter-regulatory hormone to insulin — FDA-approved for severe hypoglycemia (injectable GlucaGen, nasal Baqsimi, autoinjector Gvoke). Also the pharmacological template for GLP-1/glucagon dual agonists like Pemvidutide and Retatrutide.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.