Immunohistochemical study of neuropeptide Y-containing nerve fibers in the human clitoris and penis

The occurrence and distribution of neuropeptide Y in the human clitoris and penis was investigated by light immunohistochemistry. Neuropeptide Y-containing nerve fibers were detected in the tunicae of arteries and veins as well as among trabecular smooth muscle. The distribution pattern of the peptide was similar in both organs although a higher density of immunoreactive nerve fibers was detected in the penis. The immunolocalization of neuropeptide Y was also compared with that of neuron-specific enolase, a neuronal marker which labels the entire nerve network. It is suggested that neuropeptide Y is involved in the physiology of the penis and the clitoris, affecting vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle activity.