Regulation of cytokine and chemokine production by transmitters and co-transmitters of the autonomic nervous system

György Haskó, Csaba Szabó

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

147 Scopus citations

Abstract

The sympathetic nervous system innervates immune organs and, when activated, releases its signaling molecules in the vicinity of immune cells. The released molecules include the 'classical' transmitters norepinephrine and epinephrine and the co-transmitters ATP and adenosine. Immune cells express various adrenergic and purinergic receptors that are sensitive to these molecules, and the production of immune/inflammatory mediators (cytokines, chemokines, and free radicals) is modulated by activation of these receptors. Notably, the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, -10, and -12, and the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 1α and the production of the free radical nitric oxide, produced by the inducible nitric oxide synthase, have been shown to be altered by activation of these receptors. Alterations in the production of the immune mediators may contribute to the development of various diseases. On the other hand, novel experimental therapies based on the modulation of adrenergic or purinergic receptors on immune cells are emerging. Such approaches may have beneficial effects in limiting tissue injury and suppressing symptoms in certain pathophysiological states. Copyright (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1079-1087
Number of pages9
JournalBiochemical Pharmacology
Volume56
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ATP
  • Epinephrine
  • Interleukin
  • Neurotransmission
  • Norepinephrine
  • Purinergic
  • Sympathetic nervous system
  • Tumor necrosis factor

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

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