CHARACTERIZATION OF GENE-EXPRESSION OF VIP AND VIP1-RECEPTOR IN RAT PERITONEAL LYMPHOCYTES AND MACROPHAGES

In the present report we show the gene expression pattern of VIP and V IP1 receptor in two peritoneal cell populations, macrophages and lymph ocytes by reverse transcription (RT) and polymerase chain reaction (PC R). Only in the lymphoid cells we have obtained a specific VIP cDNA pr oduct of 458 bp identical in size to the one obtained from cerebral co rtex. On the other hand, we have obtained in both peritoneal populatio ns lymphocytes and macrophages, a specific VIP1 receptor cDNA product of 311 bp identical in size to that obtained from lung. These results have been confirmed by Southern blot hybridization. Our findings sugge st an autocrine/paracrine action of VIP in peritoneal microenvironment , supporting an immunoregulatory role for this neuropeptide.