Neurogenic modifications induced by substance P in an organ culture of human skin

Neurogenic inflammation of the skin observed after topical application of a n irritant substance or environmental stimulation induces vascular changes and the production of inflammatory mediators. Substance P (SP) is one of th e main neuropeptides which trigger an inflammatory response in the skin. So , with the aim to develop an alternative method to study neurogenic inflamm ation of the skin, we used an organ culture of human skin. SP was added ont o epidermis or directly to culture medium in an attempt to reproduce ex viv o the effects described in vivo. Even disconnected from systemic blood circ ulation, in skin fragments in culture, we observed dose-dependent edema, va sodilation and extravasation of lymphocytes and mast cells through the micr ovascular wall. Moreover, the release of proinflammatory mediators interleu kin 1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor a was evidenced.