title: Influence of neuropeptides on airway smooth muscle.
abstract: The first bronchoactive (and vasoactive) peptide to be discovered in the lung was isolated and characterized in 1970 from an embryologically related organ, the small intestine. Since then, more than 20 additional peptides have been described in lung tissue and their biologic activities investigated. Many of these are neuropeptides acting as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators to influence airway, pulmonary vascular, and other functions. More neuropeptides are known to exist in the brain and peripheral nervous system; at least some of these are soon likely to be identified in the lung. With the accelerated pace of research, the coming few years should see an increasing definition of the role of neuropeptides in lung physiology and pathophysiology, as well as in improved management of certain respiratory disorders.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects*; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter / Q000187:drug effects; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000294:innervation; D013373:Substance P / Q000502:physiology; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D017981:Receptors, Neurotransmitter; D013373:Substance P; D014660:Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide