[The effect of neuropeptides on wound healing in vitro and in vivo]

Neuropeptides constitute the largest family of extracellular messengers and have a long phylogenetic history. They and their receptors have been detected in normal human skin and related epithelial tissues. They act as neurotransmitters, hormones and paracrine factors. In skin they are involved in innervation, secretory gland function, growth control, and the regulation of blood flow. They are of remarkable interest in normal and disturbed wound healing, on three major levels: regulation of blood flow, modulation of inflammation, and trophism. Both neuropeptides and their antagonists are of potential interest as therapeutic agents. Their basic activities include immunomodulation, inhibition of inflammation, histamine release and stimulation of blood flow.