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Neuronal regulators and vascular dysfunction in Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis
Carmen Fonseca1, David Abraham, Markella Ponticos
1Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Hampstead, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
Current Vascular Pharmacology
|January 20, 2009
Summary
Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) involves exaggerated blood vessel spasms due to cold or stress. This review explores complex neurohumoral factors, including sympathetic nerve activity and signaling pathways, that regulate vascular tone in RP and systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Area of Science:
- Vascular biology and neuroendocrinology.
- Focus on cutaneous circulation regulation.
Background:
- Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by exaggerated vasospasm in skin blood vessels.
- Impaired vascular tone in RP and systemic sclerosis (SSc) stems from complex regulatory mechanisms.
- Involves sympathetic nerve activity, neurochemicals, REDOX signaling, and RhoA/ROCK pathway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on the regulation of vascular tone.
- To identify neurohumoral factors implicated in Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and systemic sclerosis (SSc).
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review.
- Analysis of studies on neurohumoral regulation of cutaneous vasoconstriction and vasodilation.
- Synthesis of findings related to RP and SSc.
Main Results:
- Vascular tone regulation involves intricate interactions between neuronal and humoral factors.
- Altered sympathetic nerve activity and various signaling pathways (adrenergic, non-adrenergic, REDOX, RhoA/ROCK) are implicated.
- These mechanisms are crucial for understanding the pathophysiology of RP and SSc.
Conclusions:
- Neurohumoral factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of Raynaud's phenomenon and systemic sclerosis.
- Further research into these pathways may reveal novel therapeutic targets for vascular dysfunction in these conditions.
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