The effect of substance P on nitric oxide release in a rheumatoid arthritis model.

Objective: The inflammatory mediator substance P (SP) acts principally through the neurokinin (NK1) receptor. We assessed the influence of SP on production of NO and its possible role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: The effect of SP (0.

Corticotropin releasing factor in urine--a possible biochemical marker of fibromyalgia. Responses to massage and guided relaxation.

The purpose of this preliminary study was to evaluate the relationship between a possible biochemical marker of stress, 24-h urinary concentrations of Corticotropin Releasing Factor-Like Immunoreactivity (CRF-LI), and ratings of stress-related symptoms like depression and anxiety, as well as to evaluate pain and emotional reactions in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Another purpose was to study the effects of massage and guided relaxation, with respect to change in the same variables. Urine sampling and ratings were performed before treatments, after and 1 month after completed treatments.

Effects of Swedish massage on blood pressure.

Swedish massage technique includes mechanically activated muscular tissue and also skin, tendons, fascias, and connected tissue, which indirectly regulates the tonus of the autonomous nervous system. This study set out to examine the effects of Swedish massage on blood pressure. Healthy males were given massage treatment at the Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Muscle and brain changes of calcitonin gene-related peptide in experimentally induced unilateral rat masseter myositis.

Aims: To investigate changes in calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) in the rat masseter muscle and brain after the unilateral experimental induction of masseter myositis.

Methods: Ipsilateral and contralateral changes of the CGRP were examined in rat masseter muscle after the induction of unilateral myositis on the right side with an intramuscular injection of 0.01 mL Freund's adjuvant.