Effect of neuropeptides on production of inflammatory cytokines by human monocytes.
Two groups of mediators, the neuropeptides substance P and K and the monocyte-derived cytokines, interact in the neural regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses. Substance P, substance K, and the carboxyl-terminal peptide SP(4-11) induce the release of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 from human blood monocytes. The neuropeptide effects occur at low doses, are specific as shown by inhibition studies with a substance P antagonist, and require de novo protein synthesis. Since monocyte-derived cytokines regulate multiple cellular functions in inflammation and immunity and since neuropeptides can be released from peripheral nerve endings into surrounding tissues, these findings identify a potent mechanism for nervous system regulation of host defense responses.
Lotz
M
M
Department of Basic and Clinical Research, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Vaughan
J H
JH
Carson
D A
DA
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015850:Interleukin-6; D007378:Interleukins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007700:Kinetics; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015288:Neurokinin A; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D007378:Interleukins; D009479:Neuropeptides; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D013373:Substance P; D015288:Neurokinin A