Depletion of neuropeptides during wound healing in rat skin

The peptides substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and somatostatin are present in nerve fibres in mammalian, including human, skin. There is evidence that in addition to having a putative neurotransmitter role, they may be trophic agents: a study was therefore undertaken of peptide changes during wound healing in rat skin. A significant depletion of the neuropeptides was found in the region of the wound within two days, and this persisted for two weeks. A smaller and delayed depletion also occurred in intact skin of the same dermatome, but not in an adjacent dermatome.