title: [Physiology and physiopathology of substance P].
abstract: The neuropeptide substance P is considered a transmitter candidate of central and peripheral neurons, particularly of small diameter sensory afferents. Electrical stimulation of these fibers leads to release of substance P from the spinal cord. Since substance P injected intrathecally causes pain behaviour and since substance antagonists inhibit reactions to nociceptive stimuli, substance P is a likely transmitter of a population of nociceptive C-fibers. Release of substance P from the peripheral endings of these fibers leads to neurogenic inflammation, i.e. vasodilatation and protein extravasation. In the skin and eye substance P is involved in inflammatory reactions following thermal and chemical injuries. Similarly, stimulation of substance P fibers of the respiratory tract by various irritants causes mucosal edema and, at least in the guinea pig, also bronchoconstriction. Substance P antagonists inhibit neurogenic inflammation in animal experiments and may, applied topically, gain therapeutic value.
mesh_terms: D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism; D005728:Ganglia, Sympathetic / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D013373:Substance P / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission; D013572:Synaptic Vesicles / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D013373:Substance P
vernacular_title: Physiologie und Pathophysiologie der Substanz P.