Substance P: a pioneer amongst neuropeptides.

A brief overview of recent developments in the substance P field is provided, in addition to a historical introduction. It is emphasized that there are multiple tachykinins and tachykinin receptors and that there are examples of coexistence of several tachykinin peptides and of several tachykinin receptors in single cells, and there is evidence for tachykininergic cotransmission. The distribution and functional significance of tachykinins in the gastrointestinal tract and in sensory neurones, and interactions with other peptides and transmitters, are reviewed.

[The first three Nordic Nobel laureates in physiology or medicine].

Among all the Nobel Laureates in physiology or medicine there are five from Denmark and seven from Sweden. The first three Laureates are presented in this paper. Over 50 years have elapsed since they were awarded and the Nobel archives are now open for scrutiny, providing insight into how the Nobel committee interpreted the instruction given in Nobel's will at that time.

The effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on human forearm blood flow.

The effect of intravenous and intra-arterially administered calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the human forearm blood flow and cutaneous blood flow were investigated by means of venous occlusion plethysmography and laser-Doppler flowmetry, respectively. Infusion of CGRP (11-216 pmol min-1) into the brachial artery resulted in a dose-dependent increase in forearm blood flow and cutaneous blood flow which persisted for up to 90 min after the infusion was stopped. Repeated infusions resulted in an identical response.

Effects of prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha on motility of small intestine in man.

Interdigestive motility of the small intestine was examined in 23 fasted healthy volunteers following luminal administration of the prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha. Motility was monitored by means of water-perfused catheters measuring intraluminal pressure changes. The registration points were located 25 cm apart, in the proximal duodenum, at the angle of Treitz, and in the jejunum.

Plasma neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity and catecholamines during various degrees of sympathetic activation in man.

Neuropeptide Y-like immunoreactivity (NPY-LI) and catecholamine concentrations in plasma were analysed during and after 60 min of physical exercise at a work load corresponding to 70% of individual maximal oxygen uptake in nine healthy men of average physical fitness. Systemic plasma NPY-LI increased progressively from 18 +/- 3 to 81 +/- 19 pmol X 1(-1) in parallel with a 10-fold increase in noradrenaline (NA) concentration. The increase in plasma NPY-LI during exercise and the decrease after completion of exercise were much slower than the corresponding changes in NA concentration.

Role of tachykinins in neurogenic inflammation.

Recent observations on the distribution, release, and biologic properties of neuropeptides connected to sensory neurons have added new information about the mechanism of hyperemia, plasma extravasation, and increase in smooth muscle tone induced by sensory nerve stimulation and by mechanical, physical, or chemical stimuli. To date, Substance P (SP) is the best characterized of these peptides. Using the skin, eye, and respiratory tract as experimental models, it has been shown that: 1) SP is widely distributed in primary sensory neurons as well as in afferent sensory fibers in the vagus, 2) SP is released from sensory nerve terminals during antidromic stimulation, 3) local administration of SP mimics the effect of sensory nerve stimulation, and 4) hyperemia, plasma leakage, and smooth muscle contractions, normally induced by nerve stimulation or noxious stimuli, are absent in tissues pretreated with the SP depleting agent capsaicin or with SP antagonists.

Distribution of substance P in brain and periphery and its possible role as a co-transmitter.

Substance P is widely distributed in the nervous system. In brain and spinal cord it may act as a transmitter, for example at the central branches of primary sensory neurons. It may also be released from the sensory nerve endings and is thought to be involved in antidromic vasodilatation and in synaptic transmission in autonomic ganglia.

Substance P: its distribution, pharmacological actions and possible physiological role in sensory neurons.

The undecapeptide substance P (SP) is a normal constituent of most tissues, particularly the central and peripheral nervous system. SP-immunoreactive cell bodies and terminal networks are distributed in most areas of the brain. Particular interest has been focused on the presence and function of SP in the primary sensory neuron.

Cellular localization of peptides in neural structures.

By means of the immunohistochemical technique of Coons and collaborators, numerous peptide-containing neurons have been observed in the brain, spinal cord and periphery. These neurons may contain peptides such as substance P, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), enkephalin or somatostatin. Some systems are very extensive.