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Human lymphocytes express substance P and its receptor
1Joseph Stokes Jr. Research Institute at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, 19104, USA.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|July 9, 1998
Summary
Human lymphocytes express substance P (SP) and its receptor, neurokinin-1. This suggests SP regulates lymphocyte functions in an autocrine manner, impacting immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide traditionally associated with neuronal signaling.
- The role of SP in immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene expression of substance P (SP) and its receptor in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- To determine if lymphocytes produce and release SP and express the SP receptor.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect SP mRNA transcripts (beta and gamma).
- Southern blot and DNA sequencing to confirm RT-PCR products.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to quantify SP protein levels.
- RT/nested-PCR, Southern blot, and DNA sequencing to identify neurokinin-1 receptor mRNA.
Main Results:
- SP mRNA (beta and gamma transcripts) and protein were detected in human lymphocytes.
- Capsaicin stimulated the release of preformed SP from lymphocytes.
- mRNA for the SP receptor, neurokinin-1, was identified in lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Human lymphocytes express both substance P (SP) and its receptor, neurokinin-1.
- These findings support an autocrine role for SP in regulating lymphocyte functions.
- SP may play a significant role in immune system modulation.