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To study the relations between neuropeptide Y (NPY) and age, gender, blood pressure (BP) and risk Factors for cardiovascular disease and the renin-angiotensin system, we performed a population-based study through random selection of 220 subjects (49% men). Subjects on antihypertensive therapy were excluded and participation rate was 67%. Venous blood was drawn at 08.00 h in the fasting state and a Spacelab 90202/90207 ambulatory BP device was then fitted. Plasma NPY levels were normally distributed and the mean level was 144 ± 17 pmol/L (mean ± SD). There was a trend towards higher levels in women than in men (147 ± 17 pmol/L and 142 ± 17 pmol/L, respectively, p = 0.053). No correlations were found between NPY and ambulatory BP or clinic BP in either gender. Angiotensin II correlated positively with NPY in men but not in women (r = 0.27, p = 0.007). There were no correlations between …