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Plasma substance P levels in fibrositis
W J Reynolds1, B Chiu, R D Inman
1Rheumatic Disease Unit, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, ON, Canada.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Plasma levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter, are not a reliable diagnostic indicator for fibrositis syndrome. This study found no significant difference in substance P levels between patients and healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rheumatology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- The underlying pain mechanisms in fibrositis syndrome remain unclear.
- Substance P is a neuropeptide implicated in pain transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of plasma substance P levels as a diagnostic marker for fibrositis syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure plasma substance P concentrations.
- 32 patients diagnosed with fibrositis were compared to 26 healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma substance P levels were similar between fibrositis patients (371 +/- 91 pg/ml) and controls (397 +/- 84 pg/ml).
- The difference in substance P levels was not statistically significant (p = NS).
Conclusions:
- Plasma substance P levels lack diagnostic value for fibrositis syndrome.
- The role of substance P as a neurotransmitter in fibrositis pathophysiology requires further investigation.