title: Correlation between neutral endopetidase (NEP) 3.4.24.11 in serum and the degree of the bronchial hyperreactivity.
abstract: Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) is described in airways as the major degrading enzyme of tachykinins such as neurokinin A (NKA) and substance P (SP). Due to its localization and mode of action NEP may play a role in the pathophysiology of bronchial reactivity (BR) especially under the aspect of neurogenic inflammation. Serum NEP concentrations were measured by ELISA to investigate if there is a correlation between serum NEP and the degree of bronchial reactivity expressed by PC20-FEV1 histamine(.). PC20-FEV1 histamine was determined in 31 asthmatic patients [age 31.9+/-1.3 years (mean+/-SEM) FEV1=92.1+/-2.4% (mean+/-SEM) 16 females/15 males]. Prior to the histamine challenge blood samples were obtained and stored at -70 degrees C until determination using ELISA. A significant correlation between serum NEP and the PC20-FEV1 (n=31, r=0.49, P<0.01) was found. The results suggest that serum NEP is modulating neuropeptide-induced effects in the pathophysiology of airway responsiveness.
authors.affiliation: Allergy and Asthma Clinic, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum, Humboldt University, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ratti
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kunkel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016535:Bronchial Hyperreactivity / Q000201:enzymology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006632:Histamine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015260:Neprilysin / Q000097:blood*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D006632:Histamine; D015260:Neprilysin