Neuropeptides and inflammation: presumed mechanisms in neurogenic inflammation

Neuropeptides, among which substance P, VIP (Vasoactive intestinal peptide), somatostatin, neurotensin, dynorphin and enkephalins, are able to modulate inflammatory processes. Increasing interest is now devoted to these peptides in different inflammatory diseases, concerning skin, lung and joins. The effect of substance P can be dependent on its C-terminal moiety implicating by this way an interaction with specific neurokinin receptors or can be dependent on its N-terminal moiety which does not involve a specific membrane receptor. Such diversity of the action mechanisms of peptides should influence the evolution of the anti-inflammatory therapeutic.