A role for substance P in arthritis?
Substance P is a neuropeptide that is released from sensory nerves and which has a number of pro-inflammatory effects. In this article, we review the evidence for a role of substance P in arthritis, both in experimental animal models and rheumatoid arthritis patients. Substance P expression is altered in the joint and dorsal horn of arthritic animals, exogenous substance P and neurokinin 1 (NK(1)) receptor antagonists modulate responses in the joint, and there is some evidence for a role of substance P in human joint disease. However, the therapeutic potential of NK(1) receptor antagonists in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial.
Keeble
J E
JE
Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, King's College, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK.
Brain
S D
SD
D000818:Animals; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000294:innervation* / Q000503:physiopathology; D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D020671:Posterior Horn Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1 / Q000378:metabolism; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology
D064729:Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; D018040:Receptors, Neurokinin-1; D013373:Substance P