R. Rossi et O. Johansson, CUTANEOUS INNERVATION AND THE ROLE OF NEURONAL PEPTIDES IN CUTANEOUS INFLAMMATION - A MINIREVIEW, EJD. European journal of dermatology, 8(5), 1998, pp. 299-306
Noxious stimuli may directly activate peripheral nerve endings of prim
ary sensory neurons. Such impulses are conveyed centrally as well as,
through antidromic axon-reflexes, peripherally where they release pro-
inflammatory neuropeptides that cause the set of changes collectively
referred to as ''neurogenic inflammation''. These peptides are able to
regulate cutaneous inflammatory processes. Thus, for instance, quanti
tative variations in cutaneous levels of some neuropeptides, such as c
alcitonin gene-related peptide, neuropeptide Y, substance P, vasoactiv
e intestinal polypeptide, neurokinin A and somatostatin, have been fou
nd in lesional skin in a number of dermatoses. In addition, they may a
lso serve as selective markers of nerve fiber degeneration and regener
ation, and they can also act as trophic agents.