In vivo immunomodulation by the neuropeptide substance P

Many experiments have demonstrated that the nervous and immune systems interact in a bidirectional fashion. Neuropeptides, including substance P, have been shown to modulate lymphocyte DNA, RNA and immunoglobulin synthesis in vitro and to play a role in inflammatory and hypersensitivity disease states. However, the role of substance P as an immunomodulator in vivo is uncertain and there is only indirect evidence of this effect obtained in vitro. Therefore, we have assessed the effect of substance in vivo on DNA and immunoglobulin synthesis by murine splenic and Peyer's patch lymphocytes after the continuous administration via a miniosmotic pump of substance P in vivo. Substance P administered in this fashion increased cell proliferation of lymphocytes isolated from both organs. Immunoglobulin synthesis was also increased and in a relatively isotype-specific manner. IgA synthesis was most affected, IgM synthesis less so and IgG synthesis was not changed significantly. These effects of substance P on lymphocytes in vivo are similar to its effects on cell proliferation and immunoglobulin synthesis when cells are exposed to this peptide in vitro. These results provide direct evidence that neuropeptides (substance P) may modulate lymphocyte function in vivo and that neuropeptides should be incorporated into the conceptual framework of immune regulation.