Sensory-nerve-derived neuropeptides: possible therapeutic targets.
This review examines our developing understanding of the families and activities of some of the best known sensory-nerve-derived inflammatory neuropeptides, namely substance P, calcitonin gene-related peptide and galanin. Evidence to date shows involvement of these transmitters in a wide range of systems that includes roles as inflammatory modulators. There is an increasing understanding of the mechanisms involved in the release of the peptides from sensory nerves and these are key in understanding the potential of neuropeptides in modulating inflammatory responses and may also provide novel targets for anti-inflammatory therapy. The neuropeptides released act via specific G protein coupled receptors, most of which have now been cloned. There is knowledge of selective agonists and antagonists for many subtypes within these families. The study of neuropeptides in animal models has additionally revealed pathophysiological roles that in turn have led to the development of new drugs, based on selective receptor antagonism.
Fernandes
Elizabeth S
ES
Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, Waterloo Campus, London SE1 9NH, UK.
Schmidhuber
Sabine M
SM
Brain
Susan D
SD
D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism; D019004:Galanin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism*; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011984:Sensory Receptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism; D015320:Tachykinins / Q000378:metabolism
D000700:Analgesics; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D009479:Neuropeptides; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D015320:Tachykinins; D013373:Substance P; D019004:Galanin; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide