Neuroimmune interactions in the airways: implications for asthma, allergy, and other inflammatory airway diseases.

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that several bioactive polypeptides, among them substance P, neurokinin A, and calcitonin gene-related peptide, are contained in tracheobronchial C-fibers. These peptides can be released from the lung by irritant chemicals or local inflammatory mediators like histamine or bradykinin. Substance P mimics the increase in vascular permeability caused by vagal nerve stimulation and neurokinin A mimics noncholinergic bronchoconstriction by vagal nerve stimulation. Calcitonin gene-related peptide displays vasodilator activity. Experiments carried out with sensitized guinea pigs showed a contribution of tracheobronchial C-fibers to the anaphylactic response. Additionally, capsaicin, which in high concentration selectively blocks sensory C-fibers, was found to be effective in treatment of hyperreactive rhinopathy (vasomotor rhinitis). It is concluded that peptide mediators released from tracheobronchial C-fibers may contribute to the pathophysiology of various allergic or inflammatory airway diseases.

• Authors: A Saria
• Journal: Brain, behavior, and immunity (Brain Behav Immun) Vol. 2 Issue 4 Pg. 318-21 (Dec 1988) ISSN: 0889-1591 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 3076481 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Neuropeptides

Topics

• Animals
• Neurons, Afferent (metabolism, physiology)
• Neuropeptides (physiology)
• Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
• Respiratory System (innervation)