title: Inhibition of murine intestinal inflammation by anti-substance P antibody.
abstract: Several neuropeptides have recently been shown to affect various aspects of the inflammatory process. Among these, the neuropeptide substance P possesses a host of immune modifying actions, which include the enhancement of lymphocyte activity, macrophage function, and neutrophil chemotaxis. The role of substance P during inflamed states has, as yet, not been fully described. Here, in T. spiralis-infected mice, we parallel increased levels of substance P both locally, (the gut) and peripherally (serum) with decreased lymphocyte responsiveness. Upon the introduction of in vivo antisubstance P antibody during the infection, levels of substance P, gastrointestinal inflammation, and lymphocyte proliferation are significantly restored to baseline (noninfected) levels. These findings suggest that the neuropeptide substance P plays an important role in promoting inflammation. It also offers the basis for future pharmacological interventions.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Virology and Immunology Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agro
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Stanisz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D004751:Enteritis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010581:Peyer's Patches / Q000276:immunology; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D017160:Trichinella spiralis / Q000276:immunology; D014235:Trichinellosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000906:Antibodies; D013373:Substance P