[The role of gastrin releasing peptide as a lung growth factor]

The proliferation of the bronchial epithelium and tumors associated with this tissue is controlled by various growth factors. The main factor is Gastrin Releasing Peptide (GRP), the human counterpart of the amphibian bombesin. These neuropeptides also act as neuromediators and gut hormones. All peptides of this family share a conserved C terminal sequence which is required for biological activity. The determination of this sequence has provided the basis for the design of specific agonist and antagonist peptides and for the generation of monoclonal antibodies (Mab). GRP interacts with a receptor coupled to a G protein and the signalling process leads to the activation of phospholipase C and kinases, and the mobilization of calcium. GRP promotes the proliferation of foetal and adult bronchial epithelium and of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells. GRP is also an autocrine growth factor for some SCLC cell lines. The growth of these lines is reduced in vitro and in vivo by MAb and specific antagonists. Hyperplasia of GRP producing cells has been shown in various lung diseases in adults and children. Pharmacological data on GRP suggest that its antagonists could be used in the treatment of SCLC (in addition to chemotherapy) and of interstitial lung disease. The cloning of the GRP receptor should facilitate the design of specific and potent antagonists of the peptide.