Neuropeptide Y: Identification of a novel rat mRNA splice-variant that is downregulated in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex of a depression-like model

► The rat Npy mRNA exists in two splice-variants. ► The two Npy variants share the same transcription start site. ► The “short” Npy mRNA does not seem to code for a protein. ► The “short” Npy mRNA is expressed in lower levels than the “long” one. ► Both Npy mRNAs are decreased in a genetic model of depression.