[Elevated substance P content in sputum and plasma in patients with COPD and its relationship with FEV1/FVC].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of substance P(SP) of the nonadrenergic system within airways in the pathogenesis of COPD, and analyze the relationship between level of SP and FEV1/FVC in COPD patients.


METHODS
SP concentration in sputum and plasma in 20 patients with COPD and 20 normal volunteers was examined and was measured by radioimmunoassay.


RESULTS
The sputum SP concentration was significantly higher in patients with COPD (57.3 +/- 14.5) pmol/L than that in normal volunteers(5.9 +/- 2.6) pmol/L, P < 0.01, the plasma SP concentration was significantly higher in COPD patients (8.6 +/- 3.9) pmol/L than that in normal volunteers (3.8 +/- 2.0) pmol/L, P < 0.05. The plasma and sputum SP concentration correlated with FEV1/FVC in COPD patients (r = -0.591, r = -0.642, P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that neurogenic inflammation may be involved in the airway inflammation process and subsequent airway narrowing in COPD.
Tian
L
L
Institute of the Respiratory Disease, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Cai
L
L
Kang
J
J
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000378:metabolism*; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry*; D013373:Substance P / Q000032:analysis*; D014797:Vital Capacity
D013373:Substance P