[Neuropeptides in dermatologic therapy]

The presence of neuropeptides and their specific receptors has been detected in the skin and the epithelial tissues. They are involved in innervation, immunomodulation, glandular secretion, control of cellular proliferation and regulation of blood flow. The fact that they act in so many different ways means that neuropeptides and their agonists and antagonists are now being regarded as potential therapeutic agents in dermatologic diseases. Among the substances which act as antagonists, particular attention should be paid to capsaicin, which has therapeutic potential for three types of indication: peripheral neurologic pain, affections with a neurogenic inflammatory component and pruriginous dermatosis; peptide T with therapeutic potential for psoriasis; and spantide, which might prove useful in dermatoses related to substance P. The influence of topical corticosteroids on the mechanism of action of neuropeptides can explain its efficacy in the treatment of many dermatoses. Among the agonists, the possibility of taking advantage of the vasodilatory activity of the calcitonin gene-related peptide is being considered in Raynaud's disease and erectile disfunction of the penis; and the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action of the alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone is being studied as a potential means of controlling inflammatory dermatoses of immunological origin.