Neuropeptide downregulation in sepsis

Inflammation. 2014 Feb;37(1):142-5. doi: 10.1007/s10753-013-9722-z.

Abstract

Neuropeptides are an extremely conserved arm of neurobiology. Despite their effects as neurohormones and neurotransmitters, a multitude of other effects have been described, putting in evidence their importance as regulators of immune responses, such as chemotaxis, oxidative burst, pro-inflammatory signaling, and many others. The effects of neuropeptides in the pathophysiology of sepsis, however, remain poorly investigated. A prospective cohort study to investigate the effects of neuropeptides in sepsis was carried out. Here, we describe that neuropeptides are downregulated during septic shock. We propose that it may be a protective mechanism of the host to avoid further inflammatory injury.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Down-Regulation
  • Humans
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Inflammation / physiopathology*
  • Melatonin / blood
  • Neuropeptides / biosynthesis*
  • Neurotensin / blood
  • Oxytocin / blood
  • Prospective Studies
  • Shock, Septic / physiopathology*
  • Substance P / blood
  • alpha-MSH / blood

Substances

  • Neuropeptides
  • Substance P
  • Neurotensin
  • Oxytocin
  • alpha-MSH
  • Melatonin
  • Hydrocortisone