NEUROPEPTIDES AND LANGERHANS CELLS

The immune system and nervous system are intimately related. In additi on to neuroendocrine mechanisms, neuropeptides have a variety of effec ts on immune cells and are responsible at least in part for neurogenic inflammation, The presence of neuropeptides in the skin has been well documented. The influence of neuropeptides on Langerhans cells is the focus of this paper. The physical presence and effects of calcitonin gene-related peptide on Langerhans cells is emphasized. Discussion als o includes the putative inflammatory and immunologic roles of vasoacti ve intestinal peptide, substance P, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y, and s omatostatin in the skin.