Clujul Medical - Iuliu Haţieganu

Clujul Medical 2006 vol. LXXX - nr. 1
23. SABAN M.R.: Involvement of leukotrienes, TNF-alpha, and LFA-1/ICAM-1
interaction in substance P – induced granulocyte infiltration, J Leukoc Biol, 1997,
61, 45-451.
24. SCHINKEL C., GAERTNER A., ZASPEL J. ŞI COL., Inflammatory mediators are
altered in the acute phase of posttraumatic complex regional pain syndrome, Clin J
Pain, 2006, 22, 235-9.
25. YONEHARA H., YOSHIMURA M.: Effect of nitric oxide on substance P release
from the periphereal endings of primary afferent neurons, Neurosci Lett, 1999, 271,
199-201.
The importance of neurokinins in the inflammation
mechanism
ADRIANA BULBOACĂ, D. I. POP, A. BĂRĂCAN
Summary
This paper focuses on the mechanisms by which neuropeptides interact with
cellular receptors to stimulate pathophysiological events in inflammation. One peptide
currently under investigation is substance P (SP), member of the tachykinin family. SP
has been extensively studied because of its many general physiological and
pathophysiological effects (smooth muscle contraction, inflammation,
neurotransmission, blood vessel dilatation, histamine release, and activation of immune
system). SP is present in the primary afferent C-fibers, and plays important roles in
neuropathic pain and inflammation. The main effects of SP in inflammation are the
increase of vascular permeability leading to edema, and leucocytes extravasation, two
key components of the inflammatory response. In addition, there is stimulation of
macrophages, activation of complement via the classical pathway, and production of
reactive oxygen intermediates. SP is a key player in inflammation, and may have a
significant impact on the therapeutic strategies against many diseases.
Key words: inflammation, neuropeptides, substance P.
16