neurokinin-a and Inflammation

The long-standing belief that the spinal cord serves merely as a conduit for information traveling to and from the brain is changing. Over the past decade, research has shown that the spinal cord is sensitive to response-outcome contingencies, demonstrating that spinal circuits have the capacity to modify behavior in response to differential environmental cues. If spinally transected rats are administered shock contingent on leg extension (controllable shock), they will maintain a flexion response that minimizes shock exposure. If, however, this contingency is broken, and shock is administered irrespective of limb position (uncontrollable shock), subjects cannot acquire the same flexion response. Interestingly, each of these treatments has a lasting effect on behavior; controllable shock enables future learning, while uncontrollable shock produces a long-lasting learning deficit. Here we suggest that the mechanisms underlying learning and the deficit may have evolved from machinery responsible for the spinal processing of noxious information. Experiments have shown that learning and the deficit require receptors and signaling cascades shown to be involved in central sensitization, including activation of NMDA and neurokinin receptors, as well as CaMKII. Further supporting this link between pain and learning, research has also shown that uncontrollable stimulation results in allodynia. Moreover, systemic inflammation and neonatal hindpaw injury each facilitate pain responding and undermine the ability of the spinal cord to support learning. These results suggest that the plasticity associated with learning and pain must be placed in a balance in order for adaptive outcomes to be observed.

Topics: Animals; Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2; Conditioning, Operant; Inflammation; Neurokinin A; Neuronal Plasticity; Pain; Protein Biosynthesis; Signal Transduction; Spinal Cord

While glial cells are recognized for their roles in maintaining neuronal function, there is growing appreciation of the ability of resident glial cells to initiate and/or augment inflammation following trauma or infection in the central nervous system (CNS). The tachykinin, substance P, is found throughout the CNS, with evidence for both neuronal and glial cells as being sources of this neuropeptide. Substance P is well known to augment inflammatory responses at peripheral sites, such as the gastrointestinal tract and skin, which raises the possibility that this tachykinin might serve a similar function within the brain. This review focuses on the evidence for tachykinins in regulating the immune functions of CNS glial cells. Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors have a high affinity for substance P and are expressed by a number of resident CNS cell types, including astrocytes and microglia. Importantly, substance P/NK-1 receptor interactions elicit activation of signal transduction pathways in both cell types and can initiate, or augment, inflammatory responses by astrocytes and microglia. The ability of substance P to augment immune responses of glial cells has important ramifications for the development of protective host responses within the CNS or, alternatively, the progression of damaging inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Astrocytes; Central Nervous System; Humans; Inflammation; Microglia; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin B; Neurons; Oligodendroglia; Substance P; Tachykinins

Tachykinins represent a family of peptides which have significant effects on such diverse physiological responses as gut peristalsis, vascular permeability, and the transmission of pain. Traditionally, neurons have been identified as the major source of tachykinin peptides in peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system, resulting in their classification as neuropeptides or, more specifically, as neurokinins. The fact that a variety of cell types can express one or more members of the family of neurokinin receptors accounts for the remarkable ability of these tachykinin peptides to affect multiple organ systems and numerous biological responses. Perhaps one of the most surprising findings during the last 15 years has been the understanding that expression of neurokinin receptors on leukocyte populations can be constitutive or inducible. This fact establishes a receptor-mediated mechanism by which tachykinin peptides can affect both innate and specific immune responses. Due to the numerous cytokines, chemokines, and other soluble mediators that can modulate leukocyte responses, the importance of tachykinin-mediated modulation of the immune response has met with some skepticism. The following reviews make a strong case for neurokinin receptor expression by leukocytes as a significant participant in host response. From hematopoiesis to antigen-specific T lymphocyte responses, tachykinins are present and can dramatically modulate maturation and responsiveness of these immune cells. Studies which document this surprising role for neurokinin receptor expression by leukocytes are detailed in the following reviews.

Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Bone Marrow; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Humans; Immune System; Infections; Inflammation; Neurokinin A; Neurons; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Substance P; T-Lymphocytes; Tachykinins

The aim of this article is to furnish a brief review of the role played by neurokinins in the inflammatory process. Further attention is given to the mechanisms, as well as to the receptor subtypes involved in neurokinin-mediated inflammation, in an attempt to clarify the participation of neurokinins in different models of acute and chronic inflammation. The involvement of SP, NKA and NKB is also examined in relation to the major signs of inflammation, including edema formation, protein plasma extravasation and vasodilatation. Finally, we provide a general overview on the potential clinical applications of neurokinin antagonists, along with the involvement of neurokinins in human diseases.

Topics: Animals; Edema; Humans; Inflammation; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin B; Substance P; Tachykinins

C-fiber nociceptors not only serve afferent but also local efferent functions. The local efferent functions, such as vasodilatation, axon reflex flare reaction, plasma extravasation, and modulation of neuronal activity, are mediated via a local release of substance P, neurokinin A, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from the peripheral ending. CGRP is the main mediator of the capsaicin-induced flare reaction in the mammalian skin (including humans). In the pig skin the vasodilatation is due to activation of specific heat nociceptors. In the pigeon, antidromic vasodilatation is markedly inhibited by intrinsic galanin. Plasma extravasation in the pig skin blister base or using microdialysis can be evoked by histamine, but not by electrical stimulation or capsaicin. The neurogenic component of the histamine response (64%) appears to be mediated via NK2 receptors and can be modulated by CGRP. There is some evidence that the neuropeptides can also sensitize or stimulate nociceptors. Since in the fibromyalgia syndrome an increased sensitivity of the flare reaction has been observed, the hyperalgesia might be partly due to altered functions of C-fiber nociceptors.

Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Capsaicin; Efferent Pathways; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Inflammation; Nerve Fibers; Neurokinin A; Nociceptors; Skin; Substance P; Swine

SP and NKA are potent endogenous bronchoconstrictors, whereas VIP is a potent endogenous bronchodilator. There is abundant evidence that these neuropeptides are released in the lung in a variety of conditions and that they have the capacity to modulate the bronchoactivity of the same stimuli that release them. On many occasions, their bronchoactive effects are masked by their degradation at or near the site of their release. However, when the microenvironment is modified to decrease their cleavage, they can express enhanced physiologic effects. Although it appears that the human asthmatic lung may be an environment in which the effects of neuropeptides can be amplified, the role of neuropeptides in the pathogenesis of airway obstruction remains speculative.

Topics: Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Humans; Inflammation; Molecular Sequence Data; Neprilysin; Neurokinin A; Neuropeptides; Respiratory Physiological Phenomena; Respiratory System; Substance P; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Topics: Afferent Pathways; Animals; Inflammation; Muscles; Neurokinin A; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Reflex; Skin; Spinal Cord; Substance P

Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Humans; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Inflammation; Lung; Neurokinin A; Neuropeptides; Substance P; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

Topics: Adenosine; Animals; Asthma; Bronchi; Humans; Inflammation; Neurokinin A; Neuropeptides; Rats

Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Capsaicin; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Inflammation; Mast Cells; Neurokinin A; Neuropeptides; Peripheral Nerves; Substance P

Airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are pivotal characteristics of equine asthma. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may have a central role in modulating airway inflammation and dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to match the inflammatory and contractile profile in LPS-challenged equine isolated bronchi to identify molecular targets potentially suitable to counteract AHR in asthmatic horses.. Equine isolated bronchi were incubated overnight with LPS (0.1-100 ng/ml). The contractile response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and the levels of cytokines, chemokines, and neurokinin A (NKA) were quantified. The role of capsaicin sensitive-sensory nerves, neurokinin-2 (NK. LPS 1 ng/ml elicited AHR to EFS (+238.17 ± 25.20% P < 0.001 vs. control). LPS significantly (P < 0.05 vs. control) increased the levels of IL-4 (+36.08 ± 1.62%), IL-5 (+38.60 ± 3.58%), IL-6 (+33.79 ± 2.59%), IL-13 (+40.91 ± 1.93%), IL-1β (+1650.16 ± 71.16%), IL-33 (+88.14 ± 8.93%), TGF-β (22.29 ± 1.03%), TNF-α (+56.13 ± 4.61%), CXCL-8 (+98.49 ± 17.70%), EOTAXIN (+32.26 ± 2.27%), MCP-1 (+49.63 ± 4.59%), RANTES (+36.38 ± 2.24%), and NKA (+112.81 ± 6.42%). Capsaicin sensitive-sensory nerves, NK. Targeting IL-6 with specific antibody may represent an effective strategy to treat equine asthma, especially in those animals suffering from severe forms of this disease.

Topics: Animals; Asthma; Bronchi; Capsaicin; Horses; Inflammation; Interleukin-33; Interleukin-6; Lipopolysaccharides; Neurokinin A; Transforming Growth Factor beta

Topics: Adult; Biopsy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Male; Middle Aged; Nerve Fibers; Neurokinin A; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Skin; Substance P; Surveys and Questionnaires; Up-Regulation; Young Adult

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) reduces the risk of exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although NAC also has anti-inflammatory activity, the detailed mechanism leading to its protective role remains to be elucidated. We tested the impact of NAC against the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in an ex vivo model of COPD exacerbation, and investigated the role of neurokinin A (NKA) in this context.. Isolated airways from COPD patients were incubated overnight with LPS (100 ng/ml). NAC was tested at concentrations resembling the plasma levels elicited by oral administration of NAC at 200 mg/day (very low dose), 600 mg/day (low dose) and 1.200 mg/day (high dose).. NAC at high concentrations normalized the peroxidase activity, H. This study demonstrates that, along with its well-known antioxidant activity, the protective effect of NAC against the detrimental effect of LPS is due to the modulation of NKA and IL-6 levels.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Biological Availability; Bronchi; Disease Progression; Female; Humans; Inflammation; Lipopolysaccharides; Male; Middle Aged; Models, Biological; Neurokinin A; Oxidative Stress; Protective Agents; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Regression Analysis

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), an aglycone of glycyrrhizin, isolated from the licorice root (Glycyrrhizia), and its semi-synthetic derivatives have a wide range of pharmacological effects. To investigate whether GA derivatives may be used as a new class of analgesics, we examined the effects of these compounds on human tachykinin receptors expressed in CHO-K1 cells. Among the GA derivatives examined, the disodium salt of olean-11,13(18)-dien-3β,30-O-dihemiphthalate inhibited the mobilization of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by substance P, neurokinin A, and neurokinin B in CHO-K1 cells expressing the human NK(1), NK(2), and NK(3) tachykinin receptors, respectively. In an inflammatory pain model, Compound 5 suppressed the capsaicin-induced flinching behavior in a dose-dependent manner. Compound 5 was also effective in suppressing pain-related behaviors in the late phase of the formalin test and reducing thermal hyperalgesia in the neuropathic pain state caused by sciatic nerve injury. Collectively, Compound 5 may be an analgesic candidate via tachykinin receptor antagonism.

Topics: Analgesics; Animals; Calcium; Capsaicin; CHO Cells; Cricetinae; Disease Models, Animal; Formaldehyde; Glycyrrhetinic Acid; Hot Temperature; Humans; Hyperalgesia; Inflammation; Ligation; Male; Neuralgia; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin B; Pain; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Tachykinin; Sciatic Nerve; Substance P

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI), which include several musculoskeletal disorders and nerve compression injuries, are associated with performance of repetitive and forceful tasks. In this study, we examined in young, adult Sprague-Dawley rats, the effects of performing a voluntary, moderate repetition, high force (MRHF; nine reaches/min; 60% maximum pulling force) task for 12 weeks on motor behavior and nerve function, inflammatory responses in forearm musculoskeletal and nerve tissues and serum, and neurochemical immunoexpression in cervical spinal cord dorsal horns. We observed no change in reach rate, but reduced voluntary participation and grip strength in week 12, and increased cutaneous sensitivity in weeks 6 and 12, the latter indicative of mechanical allodynia. Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) decreased 15% in the median nerve in week 12, indicative of low-grade nerve compression. ED-1 cells increased in distal radius and ulna in week 12, and in the median nerve and forearm muscles and tendons in weeks 6 and 12. Cytokines IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 increased in distal forearm bones in week 12, while IL-6 increased in tendon in week 12. However, serum analysis revealed only increased TNF-alpha in week 6 and macrophage inflammatory protein 3a (MIP3a) in weeks 6 and 12. Lastly, Substance P and neurokinin-1 were both increased in weeks 6 and 12 in the dorsal horns of cervical spinal cord segments. These results show that a high force, but moderate repetition task, induced declines in motor and nerve function as well as peripheral and systemic inflammatory responses (albeit the latter was mild). The peripheral inflammatory responses were associated with signs of central sensitization (mechanical allodynia and increased neurochemicals in spinal cord dorsal horns).

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Animals; Bone and Bones; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Ectodysplasins; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Inflammation; Macrophages; Movement; Musculoskeletal System; Neural Conduction; Neuralgia; Neurokinin A; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sensory Thresholds; Skin; Spinal Cord; Substance P; Time Factors; Upper Extremity

Neurokinin A (NKA) belongs to the tachykinin neuropeptide family. Its biological functions are primarily mediated by the neurokinin (NK)-2 receptor. NKA has been implicated in several inflammatory conditions. However, there are limited data about the mechanism of its pathogenetic action. Here, we investigated proinflammatory effects of NKA on peripheral immune cells using the mouse macrophage/monocyte cell line RAW 264.7 and primary peritoneal macrophages. The signaling mechanistic pathways involved were also studied. In mouse macrophages with no detectable NK-2 receptors, NKA induces the upregulation of NK-1 but not NK-2 receptor expression. Furthermore, NKA engages this NK-1 receptor, resulting in inflammatory-like responses involving activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB and induction of NF-kappaB-responsive proinflammatory chemokine expression. NKA activates NF-kappaB as evidenced by induced phosphorylation (leading to degradation) of its inhibitory protein IkappaBalpha, increased cellular levels of the transactivation-active phospho(Ser(276))-p65 and its nuclear translocation, as well as enhanced DNA-binding activity of NF-kappaB. These responses are specifically inhibited by selective NK-1 receptor antagonists but not NK-2 receptor antagonists, thereby excluding the role of NK-2 receptor. Further investigation on the upstream signaling mechanisms suggests that two NF-kappaB-activating pathways (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B) are activated by NKA. Specific inhibitors of the two pathways block NF-kappaB-dependent chemokine expression. The inhibitory effects are mediated through regulation of nuclear translocation, DNA-binding activity, and/or transactivation activity of NF-kappaB. Together, we provide novel evidence that NKA engages NK-1 receptors on mouse macrophages to elicit NF-kappaB-dependent cellular responses. The findings reveal cellular mechanisms that may underlie NKA-mediated inflammatory and immunological conditions.

Topics: Active Transport, Cell Nucleus; Animals; Cell Line; Chemokines; I-kappa B Proteins; Inflammation; Macrophages; Mice; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3; Neurokinin A; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors; Phosphorylation; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Signal Transduction; Transcription Factor RelA; Transcriptional Activation; Up-Regulation

Primary sensory nerves transmit information to both the periphery and central nervous systems, and they mediate neurogenic inflammation by release of neurotransmitters, such as tachykinins, in the periphery. Because the effect of local anesthetics on neurogenic inflammation is a subject of controversy, we investigated the direct effect of local anesthetics on tachykininergic neurotransmission, comparing it with cholinergic neurotransmission in the rabbit iris sphincter muscle. Rabbit iris sphincter muscle is innervated by trigeminal tachykininergic and parasympathetic cholinergic nerves, and the electrical transmural stimulation produces tachykininergic and cholinergic contractions. Cocaine and lidocaine (1-300 microM) attenuated tachykininergic and cholinergic contractions induced by electrical transmural stimulation in concentration- and stimulus frequency-dependent manner. However, the sensitivity to both local anesthetics was slightly, but significantly, higher in tachykininergic than in cholinergic responses. Exogenous neurokinin A and carbachol produced contractions that were not inhibited by 100 microM of cocaine and lidocaine. These results show that local anesthetics have a direct inhibitory effect on tachykininergic neurotransmission of the trigeminal sensory nerve, and the effect on this nerve is more potent than on the parasympathetic nerve and suggests that local anesthetics may have antineurogenic inflammatory effects via the inhibitory effects on the peripheral transmission of primary sensory nerve.

Topics: Anesthetics, Local; Animals; Atropine; Autonomic Pathways; Carbachol; Cholinergic Fibers; Cocaine; Inflammation; Iris; Lidocaine; Male; Neurokinin A; Optic Nerve; Parasympathetic Nervous System; Rabbits; Substance P

In the present study we evaluated the role of neurokinins in the modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inflammatory cell expression in guinea pigs with chronic allergic airway inflammation. In addition, we studied the acute effects of nitric oxide inhibition on this response. Animals were anesthetized and pretreated with capsaicin (50 mg/kg sc) or vehicle 10 days before receiving aerosolized ovalbumin or normal saline twice weekly for 4 wk. Animals were then anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, given normal saline or N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 50 mg/kg ic), and challenged with ovalbumin. Prechallenge exhaled NO increased in ovalbumin-exposed guinea pigs (P < 0.05 compared with controls), and capsaicin reduced this response (P < 0.001). Compared with animals inhaled with normal saline, ovalbumin-exposed animals presented increases in respiratory system resistance and elastance and numbers of total mononuclear cells and eosinophils, including those expressing iNOS (P < 0.001). Capsaicin reduced all these responses (P < 0.05) except for iNOS expression in eosinophils. Treatment with l-NAME increased postantigen challenge elastance and restored both resistance and elastance previously attenuated by capsaicin treatment. Isolated l-NAME administration also reduced total eosinophils and mononuclear cells, as well as those cells expressing iNOS (P < 0.05 compared with ovalbumin alone). Because l-NAME treatment restored lung mechanical alterations previously attenuated by capsaicin, NO and neurokinins may interact in controlling airway tone. In this experimental model, NO and neurokinins modulate eosinophil and lymphocyte infiltration in the airways.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Aerosols; Airway Resistance; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Capsaicin; Chronic Disease; Elasticity; Enzyme Inhibitors; Eosinophils; Guinea Pigs; Inflammation; Lung; Male; Neurokinin A; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Nitric Oxide Synthase; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Ovalbumin

Neurogenic inflammation is believed to originate with the antidromic release of substance P, and of other neurokinins encoded by the preprotachykinin A (PPT-A) gene, from unmyelinated nerve fibers (C-fibers) following noxious stimuli. Consistent with this concept, we show here that selective sensory-fiber denervation with capsaicin and targeted deletion of the PPT-A gene protect murine lungs against both immune complex-mediated and stretch-mediated injuries. Reconstitution of PPT-A gene-deleted mice with WT bone marrow does not abrogate this protection, demonstrating a critical role for PPT-A gene expression by sensory neurons in pulmonary inflammation. Surprisingly, reconstitution of WT mice with PPT-A gene-deficient bone marrow also confers protection against pulmonary injury, revealing that PPT-A gene expression in hemopoietic cells has a previously unanticipated essential role in tissue injury. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a critical synergy between capsaicin-sensitive sensory fibers and hemopoietic cells in neurokinin-mediated inflammation and suggest that such synergy may be the basis for a stereotypical mechanism of response to injury in the respiratory tract.

Topics: Animals; Bone Marrow Cells; Bone Marrow Transplantation; Capsaicin; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Gene Deletion; Gene Expression Regulation; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Immune System; Inflammation; Ligands; Lung; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Neurokinin A; Neurons; Protein Precursors; Respiration; Substance P; Tachykinins; Time Factors; Trachea

We have studied the effect of selective tachykinin NK(1) and NK(2) receptor antagonists on airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine and increase of inflammatory cells on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid induced by sephadex beads (20 mg/kg, i.v.) in guinea pigs. Airway hyperreactivity was assessed by measuring the increase of bronchial insufflation pressure to acetylcholine (0.01-30 micromol/kg, i.v.) at 3 h (early phase) and 24 h (late phase) after sephadex administration. An increase in inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (eosinophils and macrophages) was detected at 24 h (from 11.6 x 10(6) to 49.3 x 10(6) cells) but not at 3 h from sephadex administration. Neurokinin A and substance P levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed a significant increase at 24 h (from 31.7+/-11.6 to 561+/-231 pg/ml and from 5.9+/-2.6 to 29.3+/-4.1 pg/ml for neurokinin A and substance P, respectively). At this time point, the tachykinin in bronchoalveolar lavage cellular content was depleted from 232+/-43 to 21+/-20 pg/sample and from 56.6+/-6.7 to 2+/-2 pg/sample for neurokinin A and substance P, respectively. Capsaicin pretreatment abolished the early but not the late phase of airway hyperreactivity induced by sephadex without modifying bronchoalveolar lavage total cells number and bronchoalveolar lavage levels of neurokinin A and substance P. Administration of the tachykinin NK(2) (nepadutant) and/or the NK(1) receptor antagonist (MEN 11467 or (1R,2S)-2-N[1(H)indol-3-yl-carbonyl]-1-N[N-(p-tolylacetyl)-N-(methyl)-D-3(2-naphthyl)alanyl)diaminocyclohexane)), 5 min before sephadex, prevented the early phase of airway hyperreactivity to acetylcholine but only nepadutant prevented the late phase. Nepadutant was able to abolish the early phase of airway hyperreactivity if given after sephadex administration and reduced by about 50% the increase of cell number in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid during the late phase, without affecting the levels of neurokinin A and substance P. These findings indicate an involvement of endogenous tachykinins in the genesis of airway hyperreactivity in a guinea-pig model of non-allergic asthma. Early airway hyperreactivity apparently involves release of tachykinins from capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves acting via tachykinin NK(1)/NK(2) receptors. Late airway hyperreactivity involves tachykinins acting via tachykinin NK(2) receptors: inflammatory cells activated/recruited in response to sephadex challenge appear a likely source of tachy

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchoconstriction; Bronchodilator Agents; Capsaicin; Cell Count; Cyclohexylamines; Dextrans; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Eosinophils; Guinea Pigs; Indoles; Inflammation; Macrophages; Male; Neurokinin A; Peptides, Cyclic; Receptors, Tachykinin; Substance P; Tachykinins; Time Factors; Vasodilator Agents

In the gastrointestinal tract, tachykinin NK(2) receptors are localized both on smooth muscle and nerve fibres. NK(2) receptor antagonists reduce exaggerated intestinal motility in various diarrhoea models but the site of action contributing to this effect is unknown. In this study we investigated the effects of atropine (1.4 micromol kg(-1), i.v.), hexamethonium (13.5 micromol kg(-1), i.v.), and nepadutant (0.1 micromol kg(-1), i.v.), a selective tachykinin NK(2) receptor antagonist, on distension (0.5 and 1 ml)-, or irritation (acetic acid, 0.5 ml of 7.5% v v(-1))-induced motility in the rat distal colon in vivo. The effects of atropine, hexamethonium or N(omega)-nitro-L-argininemethylester (L-NAME, 1.85 micromol kg(-1), i.v.) on [betaAla(8)]NKA(4-10) (10 nmol kg(-1), i.v.)-induced colonic contractions were also investigated. When the colonic balloon was filled with a subthreshold volume (0.5 ml), the intraluminal instillation of acetic acid triggered a high-amplitude phasic colonic motility which was partially reduced by nepadutant and suppressed by either hexamethonium or atropine. Filling of the balloon with 1 ml evoked reflex (hexamethonium-sensitive), atropine-sensitive phasic colonic motility: nepadutant had no significant effect on the distension-evoked motility. Neither hexamethonium nor atropine significantly reduced [betaAla(8)]NKA(4-10)-induced colonic contractions, whereas nepadutant suppressed them. Following L-NAME pretreatment, [betaAla(8)]NKA(4-10)-induced colonic contractions were inhibited by both atropine and hexamethonium. In hexamethonium-pretreated animals, an atropine-sensitive component of [betaAla(8)]NKA(4-10)-induced colonic contractions was also evident. These results indicate that the application of irritants onto the colonic mucosa induces the release of endogenous tachykinins which enhance excitatory cholinergic mechanisms through the stimulation of NK(2) receptors.

Topics: Acetic Acid; Animals; Atropine; Cholinergic Fibers; Colon; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gastrointestinal Motility; Hexamethonium; Inflammation; Male; Muscarinic Antagonists; Neurokinin A; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Peptide Fragments; Peptides, Cyclic; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Synaptic Transmission; Time Factors

We have investigated the pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of ricinoleic acid (RA), the main active principle of castor oil, in an experimental model of blepharitis induced by intradermal injection of carrageenan in the guinea-pig eyelid and its possible capsaicin-like mode of action on acutely dissociated rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons in vitro. Topical treatment with RA (10-100 mg/guinea-pig) or capsaicin (1-10 mg/guinea-pig) caused eyelid reddening and oedema. At lower doses (0.3-3 mg/guinea-pig and 0.009-0.09 mg/guinea-pig for RA and capsaicin, respectively) both drugs significantly potentiated the eyelid oedema induced by carrageenan. The tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist FK 888 (0.59 mg/kg s.c.) abolished the potentiation of carrageenan-induced eyelid oedema induced by either RA or capsaicin. The neutral endopeptidase inhibitor, thiorphan (1.3 mg/kg i.v.) significantly enhanced the potentiation of carrageenan-induced eyelid oedema produced by RA. This potentiating effect was abolished by FK 888. Repeated (8 days) topical application of RA (0.9 mg/guinea-pig) or capsaicin (0.09 mg/guinea-pig) inhibited the carrageenan-induced eyelid oedema. This anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a reduction (75%-80% of SP and 46%-51% of NKA) in tachykinin content of the eyelids, as determined by radioimmunoassay. In dissociated rat DRG neurons, RA (0.1 mM for 5 min) significantly inhibited the inward currents induced by application of capsaicin (1 microM) and/or low pH (5.8), without inducing any currents by itself or changing voltage-dependent currents. Moreover, after 24-h incubation, RA (0.1 mM) significantly decreased the capsaicin (1 microM)-induced calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release from rat DRG neurons, whereas acute drug superfusion did not evoke CGRP release by itself. Summarizing, RA possesses capsaicin-like dual pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties which are observed upon acute and repeated application, respectively. However, unlike capsaicin, RA does not induce inward current in DRG neurons and it is devoid of algesic properties in vivo.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Blepharitis; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Capsaicin; Carrageenan; Cells, Cultured; Drug Synergism; Female; Ganglia, Spinal; Guinea Pigs; Inflammation; Lectins; Male; Neurokinin A; Neurons; Plant Extracts; Plant Lectins; Rats; Ricinoleic Acids; Seeds; Substance P

Neurogenic modulation of the inflammation is an essential mechanism of initiate and conditionate an inflammatory reaction. SP, NKA and NKB--neurokinins are involved in the modulation of the local ocular inflammation initiated by the surgical perforating trauma of the anterior pole. They determine the increase of vascular permeability and the breakdown of the aqueous-humor-blood barrier by direct action on the endothelial vascular receptors and by indirect mechanism (releases prostaglandins). This effect is demonstrated by the increase of the blue Evans concentration in the aqueous-humor after local application of SP, NKA and NKB in a dose-dependent manner. Local treatment with non-steroidal-antiinflammatory drugs like Indomethacin stabilizes the aqueous-humor-blood barrier, by diminishing the local effect of neurokinins. By increasing the vascular permeability SP, NKA and NKB make an important linkage by which the nervous system mediators contribute to the modulation of eye inflammatory responses whose intimate mechanisms are not entirely known yet.

Topics: Animals; Anterior Chamber; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aqueous Humor; Capillary Permeability; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Indomethacin; Inflammation; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin B; Rabbits; Substance P

The precise nature of neurokin receptor involvement in human immune cell chemotaxis is unclear. This study therefore sought to directly compare the chemotactic effects of neurokinins on human T lymphocytes and monocytes. Substance P was found to have a similar dose-dependent chemotactic action on T lymphocyte and monocyte populations. In contrast, T lymphocytes were found to be more responsive than monocytes both to the highly selective NK-1 agonist, [Sar(9)Met O(2)(11)]-substance P, and also to the NK-2 selective agonist, beta-alanine neurokinin A((4-10)). Consistent with these findings, substance P-induced chemotaxis of both T lymphocyte and monocytes was attenuated by the selective NK-1 antagonist LY303870. However, the selective NK-2 antagonist MEN 10,376 was only effective in inhibiting the T lymphocyte response. The study confirms that neurokinins have chemotactic actions on immune cells and indicates important functional differences between human T lymphocyte and monocyte responses. This provides a potential mechanism by which the nervous system can selectively influence cellular recruitment in inflammatory disease.

Topics: Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Indoles; Inflammation; Monocytes; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Peptide Fragments; Piperidines; Receptors, Neurokinin-1; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Substance P; T-Lymphocytes

Recent studies have proposed that activation of the sensory nervous system after thermal injury induces the release of vasoactive neuropeptides, including tachykinins which contribute to the local inflammatory reaction as well as to the nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level. Effects of the tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A are mediated by the neurokinin 1 and 2 (NK1, NK2) receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the modulatory role of NK1 and NK2 antagonists on edema formation, and on hindpaw withdrawal latency to experimentally asses nociception. Thermal injury was inflicted on the anaesthetized rat by dipping the right hindpaw into hot water at 60 degrees C for 20 s. The amount of edema formation was calculated by measuring the hindpaw volume with a plethysmograph before and during 420 min after scalding. In other studies scalding was inflicted under brief anesthesia, and hindpaw withdrawal latencies (HWL) to mechanical stimulation were recorded before injury and at 180 min after. The effect on edemic reactions of rats treated locally with NK1 and NK2 receptor antagonist were studied, as well as the effect of the same compounds on HWL after intrathecal injection. Scalding induced a progressive edema formation which was reduced significantly in rats treated with local injection of 100 nmol of NK1 and NK2 antagonists 45 min after the injury. The thermally induced inflammation was followed by significant decrease of the latency of hindpaw withdrawal response to mechanical stimulation. Intrathecal injection of 30 nmol of the same drugs 180 min after scalding was followed by significant increase in HWL. The results indicate that SP and NKA contribute to the inflammatory reactions after thermal injury and that the tachykinin receptor antagonists possess the ability to reduce both the local edemic reaction as well as the nociceptive transmission at the spinal cord level.

Topics: Animals; Burns; Disease Models, Animal; Edema; Follow-Up Studies; Inflammation; Male; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Nociceptors; Pain Measurement; Peptide Fragments; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid; Quinuclidines; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Skin Diseases; Substance P

A model of thermally induced inflammation in the anesthetized rat was used to measure acute microcirculatory reactions after heat exposure. The thermal injury was inflicted by dipping the right hindpaw into hot water at 60 degrees for 20 s. Local blood flow was recorded simultaneously in both hindpaws and continuously by laser Doppler flowmetry before, during and for 2 h after the thermal injury and the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was displayed on a chart recorder. To assess the contribution of the nervous system to the vascular changes seen, neuropeptide antagonists directed toward substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) were administered. The neurokinin antagonists (NK1, NK2) and the CGRP antagonist (CGRP8-37) were injected via a catheter into the jugular vein. During the first few minutes after thermal injury to the controls, an immediate increase in blood perfusion of about 351% was recorded, followed by a slow decrease of circulation. At 30 min after thermal injury, there was a secondary phase of increased microcirculation of approximately 329%. A slow decline of cutaneous circulation then followed and, after another 30 min, the value stabilized at a level about 100% above the level before injury. Pretreatment with intravenous injections of the NK1 antagonist, NK2 antagonist, and CGRP8-37 attenuated the first phase and almost abolished the secondary phase. No significant change of perfusion was observed on the unscalded paw. The MAP remained at a stable level throughout the experiment and was not affected by the thermal injury or by the administration of the antagonists as compared to controls. Our results show that sensory neuropeptides play a significant role in the blood flow increase seen following thermal injury.

Topics: Animals; Burns; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Extremities; Inflammation; Male; Microcirculation; Neurokinin A; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Substance P

Sensory nerves play an important role in airway disease by mediating central reflexes such as cough, and local axon reflexes resulting in the peripheral release of neuropeptides. We have tested whether the benzimidazolone compound, NS1619, an opener of large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK Ca) channels, inhibits the activity of sensory fibers, and central and local airway reflexes in guinea pig airways. In in vitro single fiber recording experiments, NS1619 applied to identified receptive fields in the trachea inhibited the firing of A(delta)-fibers evoked by hypertonic saline and distilled water, and bradykinin-evoked firing of C-fibers. Electrically evoked nonadrenergic noncholinergic contractions of isolated bronchi mediated by the release of neurokinin A (NKA) from C-fibers, but not those elicited by exogenous NKA, were inhibited by NS1619. These effects of NS1619 were prevented by iberiotoxin, a selective blocker of BK Ca channels. In conscious guinea pigs, cough evoked by aerosolized citric acid was also inhibited by NS1619. These data show that BK Ca channel activation inhibits sensory nerve activity, resulting in a reduction of both afferent and efferent function. BK Ca channel openers may therefore be of potential benefit in reducing neurogenic inflammation and central reflexes seen during inflammatory conditions of the airways, and may represent a new class of antitussive drug.

Topics: Afferent Pathways; Animals; Benzimidazoles; Bradykinin; Bronchi; Bronchial Provocation Tests; Citric Acid; Cough; Efferent Pathways; Ganglia, Sensory; Guinea Pigs; In Vitro Techniques; Inflammation; Male; Neurokinin A; Peptides; Potassium Channels; Trachea

The role of endogenous neurokinin A in changes in the excitability of spinal neurons during adjuvant-induced, peripheral inflammation was examined by determining the effect of a selective NK2 receptor antagonist, GR103537, on the nociceptive flexor reflex in rats. Intrathecal administration of GR103537 (1.4-14 nmol) dose-dependently attenuated the increased activity of the flexor reflex ipsilateral to the inflamed paw. The activity of GR103537 at NK2 receptors was confirmed by blockade of the facilitation of the reflex by neurokinin A but not substance P in normal rats. These results indicate that endogenous neurokinin A increases the excitability of spinal neurons during persistent peripheral inflammation.

Topics: Animals; Evoked Potentials; Hyperalgesia; Inflammation; Injections, Spinal; Male; Neurokinin A; Nociceptors; Peripheral Nervous System; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Receptors, Neurokinin-2; Reflex; Spinal Cord

This is a study of neurokinin A (NKA)-, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)- and neuropeptide Y (NPY)- like immunoreactivity(-LI) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma and perfusates (PF) from the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) of the rat during acute inflammation. Substance P (10(-5) M, 0.01 ml) was injected into the right TMJ of the rat. The TMJs of the control rats, were injected with 0.01 ml saline. CSF, plasma and PF from TMJs were taken at 2, 6 and 24 hrs following injection. The neuropeptide-LI level was analysed by specific radioimmunoassays and compared with control values. Unilateral injection of SP into the rat TMJ resulted in a general increase in the concentration of NKA-, CGRP- and NPY-LI in the TMJ PF at 2, 6 and 24 hrs following injection. In the CSF NKA- and CGRP-LI was increased leaving the NPY-LI unaffected. In general no changes in peptide concentrations were seen in plasma. The results indicate that SP directly or indirectly induces a local release of peptides through an action at sensory and sympathetic neurons.

Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Male; Neurokinin A; Neuropeptide Y; Neuropeptides; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Substance P; Temporomandibular Joint; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) have potent proinflammatory effects in the airways. They are released from sensory nerve endings originating in jugular and dorsal root ganglia. However, the major sensory supply to the airways originates from the nodose ganglion. In this study, we evaluated changes in neuropeptide biosynthesis in the sensory airway innervation of ovalbumin-sensitized and -challenged guinea pigs at the mRNA and peptide level. In the airways, a three- to fourfold increase of SP, NKA, and CGRP, was seen 24 h following allergen challenge. Whereas no evidence of local tachykinin biosynthesis was found 12 h after challenge, increased levels of preprotachykinin (PPT)-A mRNA (encoding SP and NKA) were found in nodose ganglia. Quantitative in situ hybridization indicated that this increase could be accounted for by de novo induction of PPT-A mRNA in nodose ganglion neurons. Quantitative immunohistochemistry showed that 24 h after challenge, the number of tachykinin-immunoreactive nodose ganglion neurons had increased by 25%. Their projection to the airways was shown. Changes in other sensory ganglia innervating the airways were not evident. These findings suggest that an induction of sensory neuropeptides in nodose ganglion neurons is crucially involved in the increase of airway hyperreactivity in the late response to allergen challenge.

Topics: Animals; Blotting, Northern; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Female; Gene Expression Regulation; Guinea Pigs; Immunohistochemistry; In Situ Hybridization; Inflammation; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Neurokinin A; Neurons, Afferent; Nodose Ganglion; Ovalbumin; Radioimmunoassay; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; RNA, Messenger; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Substance P; Tachykinins; Vaccination

The effect of the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist RP67580 in modulating inflammatory oedema formation has been investigated in guinea-pig skin. Oedema formation was measured over 30 min by the extravascular accumulation of intravenously-injected 125I-albumin in the anaesthetised guinea-pig. RP67580 was injected intradermally with the agents under test. Intradermal RP67580 (10 nmol/site) inhibits oedema formation induced by substance P (30 pmol) and neurokinin A (100 pmol), but not that induced by bradykinin (10-1000 pmol) or histamine (10 nmol). Substance P-induced oedema formation is similar in control (saline) and mepyramine (histamine H1 receptor antagonist) pretreated guinea-pigs suggesting a minimal involvement of histamine in substance P induced oedema formation in guinea-pig skin. Oedema formation induced by intradermal carrageenin (0.2%) was not inhibited by RP67580 (1-10 nmol). A significant but partial inhibition of oedema formation induced in a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) response was observed. The oedema formation in the PCA was inhibited 50% by mepyramine pretreatment but in the presence of mepyramine no further inhibition of the PCA response by RP67580 was observed.

Topics: Animals; Bradykinin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Carrageenan; Edema; Guinea Pigs; Indoles; Inflammation; Injections, Intradermal; Isoindoles; Male; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists; Pyrilamine; Skin; Substance P; Tachykinins

Airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) is a critical component in bronchial asthma, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be disclosed. Our present studies were performed to establish a new good experimental animal model of AHR. Male Wistar rats actively sensitized with DNP-Ascaris antigen (DNP-Asc) were challenged by inhaling DNP-Asc 8 days after the first immunization (single antigenic challenge). Another sensitization group received 3 challenges every 48 hr (repeated antigenic challenge). The airway responsiveness to inhalations of acetylcholine (ACh) and neurokinin A (NKA) were determined under anesthesia. The airway microvascular leakage was also determined with Evans blue (E.B.). At 24 hr after the single antigen challenge, the airway responsiveness to ACh and NKA were slightly enhanced, and the E.B. exudation was increased in the main bronchus. In contrast, the airway responsiveness to ACh and NKA and the E.B. exudation in the main bronchus were much more markedly enhanced 24 hr after the repeated antigenic challenge. The isolated main bronchial strip from the challenged rats had obtained AHR towards ACh and serotonin. These findings suggest that repeated antigenic challenge causes a distinct AHR, both in vivo and in vitro, and that the airway inflammation may be closely related to pathogenesis of AHR.

Topics: Acetylcholine; Animals; Antigens; Bronchi; Bronchial Hyperreactivity; Bronchoconstriction; Capillary Permeability; Disease Models, Animal; Immunization; In Vitro Techniques; Inflammation; Lung; Male; Neurokinin A; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Trachea

Intratracheal instillation of Sephadex beads induced a long-lasting inflammation in the rat lung as seen by an increase in lung weights. Repeated instillation enhanced this reaction and increased lung endothelin-1 content 3.5 times. Budesonide given s.c. abolished these effects and even reduced basal endothelin-1 content by 72%. The tissue content of the sensory neuropeptide neurokinin A were unaffected by both treatments. Endothelin has been proposed to play a part in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. If it is so, the ability of budesonide to reduce endothelin-1 content could thus be added to the list of beneficial effects of glucocorticosteroids in these conditions.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Animals; Budesonide; Dextrans; Endothelins; Female; Inflammation; Lung; Male; Neurokinin A; Organ Size; Pregnenediones; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

The effect of neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in peripheral hyperalgesia was studied in rats using a modification of the Randall-Selitto paw test. NKA was 10 times more potent than SP which was 500 times more potent than CGRP in inducing hyperalgesia in the rat paw, suggesting that NKA and SP but not CGRP could have an important role in acute hyperalgesic conditions. Furthermore, sensitization induced by several injections of subthreshold doses of NKA or CGRP suggest that these neuropeptides along with SP could participate as mediators or modulators of chronic pain.

Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Hyperalgesia; Inflammation; Male; Neurokinin A; Nociceptors; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Substance P

Previously we have demonstrated that an intrathecal injection of galanin (GAL) decreases the nociceptive threshold for mechanical stimulation without effect on thermal nociceptive responses. The present experiments were conducted to determine whether substance P (SP) would be involved in such a decrease in the nociceptive threshold produced by GAL. An intrathecal injection of anti-SP monoclonal antibody inhibited the nociceptive threshold-decreasing effect of intrathecal GAL (0.1 nmol/rat). This antibody significantly suppressed the contractile action of SP (3 nM) on the longitudinal muscle and that of neurokinin A (3 nM) to a lesser degree. Binding of [125I]Tyr8-SP to this antibody was inhibited by SP in a concentration-dependent manner in the range 0.1-33 nM without suppression by GAL at a concentration of 3300 nM. In addition, an intrathecal injection of the anti-SP monoclonal antibody increased the nociceptive threshold for mechanical stimulation in carrageenin-inflamed rats without effect on thermal nociceptive behaviors. The capsaicin (0.5 microM)-evoked release of immunoreactive SP from dorsal-half slices of the spinal cord was increased by galanin (1 microM, but not 0.1 microM) without effects on basal release. An intrathecal injection of GAL did not produce aversive responses (biting, licking and scratching) at doses of 0.1 and 1 nmol/rat. GAL (0.1 nmol/rat) did not affect biting/licking behaviors evoked by SP (1 nmol/rat), but inhibited SP-evoked scratching behavior. These results suggest that the nociceptive threshold-decreasing action of intrathecal GAL is at least in part mediated by SP, and that GAL may act on primary afferent terminals to increase the release of SP evoked by stimulation.

Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Behavior, Animal; Capsaicin; Carrageenan; Galanin; Guinea Pigs; Ileum; In Vitro Techniques; Inflammation; Injections, Spinal; Male; Muscle, Smooth; Neurokinin A; Nociceptors; Pain; Peptides; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Substance P

The effects of ruthenium red, an inorganic dye with known capsaicin antagonist properties, was investigated in the rabbit eye. At a dose of 0.24 nmol ruthenium red inhibited the inflammatory effects of capsaicin (1 or 8 nmol). Unexpectedly, when the dye was injected in doses ranging from 0.24 to 7.4 nmol, it caused an inflammatory response with constriction of the pupil (miosis) and a breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier, leading to a rise intraocular pressure. Tetrodotoxin (30 nmol) inhibited the ruthenium red-induced rise in intraocular pressure but had less effect on the miotic response. The tachykinin antagonist spantide inhibited the miosis but had no effect on the rise in intraocular pressure. Ruthenium red induced an increase in substance P-like immunoreactivity and calcitonin gene-related peptide-like immunoreactivity in the aqueous humor. These levels were positively correlated with the rise in aqueous humor protein concentration. The ruthenium red-induced miosis and, to a less extent, the rise in intraocular pressure were inhibited by the Ca2+ channel-blocking agent omega-conotoxin GVIA (CTX), indicating a partial dependence on an influx of extracellular Ca2+. CTX also attenuated the miotic effect of capsaicin but had no effect on the capsaicin-induced rise in intraocular pressure. It is concluded that, in the rabbit eye, ruthenium red induces a neurogenic inflammatory response besides its capsaicin antagonist effects.

Topics: Animals; Aqueous Humor; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Calcium Channel Blockers; Capsaicin; Eye; Female; Inflammation; Intraocular Pressure; Male; Miosis; Neurokinin A; Nifedipine; omega-Conotoxin GVIA; Peptides, Cyclic; Rabbits; Ruthenium Red; Substance P; Tetrodotoxin

To investigate the participation of neuropeptides present in the peripheral endings of primary afferent neurons in the inflammatory response, immunoreactive substance P (iSP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (iCGRP) and neurokinin A (iNKA) levels in the s.c. perfusate, and inflammatory response (edema and plasma protein extravasation) evoked in rat paw by noxious stimulation were determined. The effects of these peptides on plasma protein extravasation in the skin of the hind paw of mice were also examined with the pontamine sky blue protein labelling method. The following results were obtained. 1) Immersion of the rat hind paw for 30 min into hot water adjusted to 47 degrees C led to a marked increase in the release of iSP and iCGRP in the subcutaneous perfusate with the formation of thermal edema. 2) Mechanical stimulation (600 g, 10 min) to the hind paw or electrical stimulation of the saphenous and sciatic nerves (10 V, 2 Hz, 1msec duration, 10 min) evoked the increase of iSP release in the perfusate with plasma protein extravasation. 3) iNKA release was not affected by neither heat nor mechanical stimulation. 4) Intraplantar injection of SP, CGRP and NKA induced plasma protein extravasation, the order of potencies being SP greater than CGRP greater than NKA. The action of SP was antagonized by spantide, an SP antagonist. The injection of CGRP with SP produced a synergistic action on plasma protein extravasation. 5) Neonatal pretreatment with capsaicin, which is known to degenerate small-diameter primary afferent neurons, caused the decrease in amount of iSP and iCGRP released during noxious heat stimulation. 6) Pretreatment with Compound 48/80, or stem bromelain and emorphazone, or des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK, inhibited the iSP release evoked by noxious heat stimulation. 7) Opioids such as morphine (mu-agonist) and ethylketocyclazocine (kappa agonist) inhibited the heat stimulus-evoked iSP release and thermal edema, and the inhibitory effects were antagonized by pretreatment with their antagonists. 8) Morphine or ethylketocyclazocine or [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]-enkephalin (delta-agonist) inhibited the release of iSP evoked by electrical stimulation of the saphenous and sciatic nerves. These results indicate that SP and CGRP present in peripheral endings of small-diameter primary afferent neurons play an important role in the inflammatory response, and that opioids are involved in the regulation of inflammatory response through the inhibition of SP release.

Topics: Animals; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Electric Stimulation; Hot Temperature; Inflammation; Mice; Neurokinin A; Neurons, Afferent; Neuropeptides; Physical Stimulation; Rats; Substance P

Plasma protein extravasation was studied in the rat abdominal skin. Substance P (SP), neurokinin A (NKA) and B (NKB) were found to induce extravasation with a threshold dose of about 1 pmol. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) caused no or little extravasation alone but it potentiated the action of SP, NKA, NKB, and physalaemin. The potentiation of the SP-induced extravasation was unaffected by pretreatment with capsaicin, indomethacin or compound 48/80, it was reduced by neuropeptide Y or pretreatment with mepyramine plus cimetidine, and was abolished in streptozotocin diabetic rats. CGRP augmented extravasation induced by histamine, reduced the effect of ATP or adenosine and did not alter extravasation by serotonin, bradykinin or neurotensin. These results indicate that in addition to SP the novel mammalian tachykinins NKA and NKB may be considered as mediator candidates for neurogenic plasma extravasation. CGRP is a possible mediator of antidromic vasodilation. Furthermore, CGRP potentiates the extravasation caused by coexisting tachykinins and could thereby augment neurogenic inflammation. The diverse interactions of CGRP with other inflammatory mediators suggest multiple sites of action.

Topics: Animals; Blood Proteins; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; In Vitro Techniques; Inflammation; Neurokinin A; Neurokinin B; Neuropeptides; Rabbits; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains; Substance P; Vasodilation