[Substance P and rheumatic diseases].
Substance pertains to a group of linear molecules of 10-30 amino-acid residues produced by nervous fibers and called neuropeptides. It is a mediator of pain transmission, and modulates or stimulates the activity of several cell types, i.e. lymphocytes and mast cells. The concept of neurogenic inflammation is based on the release of substance P and related peptides by an axon eflex mechanism. In rheumatic diseases, substance P may enhance inflammatory joint reactions. In rheumatoid arthritis, high SP levels were demonstrated in synovial fluid by our group and others. Results in fibromyalgia are contradictory. Algoneurodystrophia may be modulated by substance P release. Topical use or capsaicin and development of peripheral inhibitory drugs offer novel treatments based on this concept.
Menkès
C J
CJ
Service de rhumatologie A, hôpital Cochin, Paris.
Renoux
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology; D002805:Chondrocalcinosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013373:Substance P / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D013373:Substance P