A PEPTIDE FROM THE SUBMANDIBULAR GLANDS MODULATES INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES

Background: The cervical sympathetic trunk-submandibular gland (CST-SM G) axis plays an important role in inflammation. An immunoregulatory h eptapeptide, submandibular gland peptide T (SGP-T), was isolated from submandibular glands, and several of its biological activities have be en identified. Results: SGP-T reduced shock-induced hypotension and al lergen-induced disruption of migrating myoelectric complexes and the m agnitude of smooth muscle contraction. The heptapeptide inhibited the influx of neutrophils into carrageenin-soaked sponges. Conclusion: SGP -T has several biological activities that collectively help explain th e ability of the CST-SMG axis to regulate inflammation.