Nicotine and serotonin in immune regulation and inflammatory processes: a perspective.
Nicotine and serotonin modulate the innate and adaptive immune responses and the inflammatory states. Several nicotinic cholinergic and serotonergic receptor subtypes have been characterized in B and T lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. The use of knockout mice has allowed a better characterization of nicotinic receptors and their role in anti-inflammatory processes in these cells. Cytokines play a crucial role in controlling inflammatory reactions. Nicotine and serotonin have been reported to regulate cytokine release. Cholinergic mechanisms also play an important role in inflammation through endogenous acetylcholine. Nicotine mimics this effect by activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways. New concepts of reciprocal interactions between nicotine and serotonin are emerging. The role of nicotine as an anti-inflammatory agent has been established, whereas that of serotonin remains more controversial.
Cloëz-Tayarani
Isabelle
I
Unité de Recherche Associée, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. icloez@pasteur.fr
Changeux
Jean-Pierre
JP
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D009538:Nicotine / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D012701:Serotonin; D009538:Nicotine