title: Interactions of the skin and nervous system.
abstract: There is increasing experimental evidence that the neurologic system can directly participate in cutaneous inflammation and wound healing. Recent studies indicate that neuropeptides released by cutaneous nerves such as c-fibers can activate a number of target cells including keratinocytes, Langerhans cells, mast cells, and endothelial cells. One such neuropeptide, substance P (SP), is able to specifically bind to murine and human keratinocytes and induce the release of cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1). Other studies demonstrate that SP can also activate mast cells to produce the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). More recently, we examined the effect of cutaneous neuropeptides on human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) activities. Our studies indicate that the c-fiber-derived calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is capable of stimulating HDMEC to secrete the neutrophil chemotactic factor interleukin 8 (IL-8). In addition, SP is able to directly activate HDMEC to express high levels of the important cellular adhesion molecule vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1). Thus, these studies support the role that the neurologic system may play in mediating the biologic processes that occur during inflammation and wound healing in the skin.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ansel
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Quinlan
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Olerud
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Caughman
authors.forename: N W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Bunnett
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009424:Nervous System Physiological Phenomena; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000494:pharmacology; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000294:innervation*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D009479:Neuropeptides; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide; D010450:Endopeptidases