Substance P (SP) and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) neuropeptides play a role in the immediate and late type of hypersensitivity as well as in neurogenic inflammation. This suggests their participation in the etiology of allergic dermatitis. In the changed skin of patients with allergic dermatitis considerable increase of nervous endings was found containing SP and VIP. The aim of the study was the evaluation of SP and VIP concentration in blood serum of children with allergic dermatitis in the course of food allergy.
Patients and method: We determined by radioimmunological method on empty stomach concentration of SP and VIP in the blood serum in 19 children, aged between 6 and 24 months with allergic dermatitis of various intensity. In the 6 children with alimentary tract symptoms and deficiency of body mass we have done biopsy of the small intestine mucosa.
Results: Obtained medium values of SP and VIP were higher in the examined group in the comparison to the control group, but we did not find any statistical significance. However, in the group of children with co-existent malabsorption syndrome we found higher concentration of both neurohormones and we found statistical significance in the concentration of SP in comparison to children from the control group.
Conclusions: Although SP and VIP are mainly secreted to the surrounding tissues and in a smaller degree endocrinally to the blood, increased level of these neurohormones in the blood serum in children with allergic dermatitis may confirm their contribution to the pathomechanism of this form of allergy.