Science, Vol 241, Issue 4870, 1218-1221
Copyright © 1988 by American Association for the Advancement of Science
Effect of neuropeptides on production of inflammatory cytokines by human monocytes
M Lotz,
JH Vaughan,
and
DA Carson
Department of Basic and Clinical Research, Research Institute of Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Two groups of mediators, the neuropeptides substance P and K and the monocyte-derived cytokines, interact in the neural regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses. Substance P, substance K, and the carboxyl-terminal peptide SP(4-11) induce the release of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 from human blood monocytes. The neuropeptide effects occur at low doses, are specific as shown by inhibition studies with a substance P antagonist, and require de novo protein synthesis. Since monocyte-derived cytokines regulate multiple cellular functions in inflammation and immunity and since neuropeptides can be released from peripheral nerve endings into surrounding tissues, these findings identify a potent mechanism for nervous system regulation of host defense responses.
