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[Neurokinins and the skin]
1Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine Paris-Ouest, France.
Allergie Et Immunologie
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Neurokinins, released from sensory nerves, are key mediators of the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic nervous system. These peptides, including substance P, cause inflammatory skin reactions like itch and flare by stimulating specific receptors and releasing histamine.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Neurokinins are peptide mediators released from sensory nerves.
- They are integral components of the non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic (NANC) nervous system.
- Neurokinins, alongside CGRP and VIP, are implicated in skin innervation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of neurokinins in mediating skin responses.
- To understand the specific mechanisms by which neurokinins induce inflammation.
- To identify the contribution of neurokinins to symptoms like itch and flare.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the physiological actions of neurokinins at the skin level.
- It examines the release of neurokinins from nerve fibers innervating the skin.
- The research investigates the downstream effects of neurokinin stimulation on inflammatory cells.
Main Results:
- Neurokinins, including substance P, neurokinin A, and B, stimulate NK1, NK2, and NK3 receptors, respectively.
- These peptides are released by skin-innervating nerve fibers and act as inflammatory mediators.
- Neurokinins induce itch, wheal, and flare responses in the skin.
- Substance P contributes to itch and flare, partly via histamine release from mast cells.
Conclusions:
- Neurokinins are significant mediators of neurogenic inflammation in the skin.
- Their actions contribute to the characteristic symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions.
- Understanding neurokinin pathways offers potential targets for managing skin inflammation and associated symptoms.