title: Substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide: effects on mast cells and in human skin.
abstract: Mast cells are found in close association with blood vessels, and histamine is known to be a potent vasodilator in humans. It is now clear that mast cells form neuroeffector junctions and that one of the types of nerve involved is the peptide-containing primary afferent neurone (C fibre). Nerve stimulation produces vasodilation which is blocked by antihistamines or by depletion of mast cell histamine with compound 48/80. Nerve stimulation also releases histamine and degranulates mast cells. Substance P and other neuropeptides release histamine from isolated rat and human skin mast cells. The actions of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in human skin are compatible with a role for these two peptides in neurogenic inflammation. The inflammatory effects of substance P in human skin are inhibited by antihistamines. The possible role of the mast cell in neurogenic inflammation is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006636:Histamine Release / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000473:pathology; D007249:Inflammation; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000503:physiopathology*; D051381:Rats; D018003:Receptors, Calcitonin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000294:innervation; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D018003:Receptors, Calcitonin; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D013373:Substance P