神経系因子による上皮創傷治癒の制御

概要

論文の詳細を見る
Intact sensory nerves are essential to maintain the normal integrity of epithelium. When sensory nerves are damaged by pathological conditions, morphological changes occur in epithelium, and epithelial wound healing is delayed. Terefore, neural factor(s) released from sensory nerves appear to play an important role in epithelial wound healing. To understand the role of neural factor on epithelial wound healing, we investigated the cellular and molecular functions of a sensory neurotansmitter, substance P, in corneal epithelial cells. Using an organ culture system of the cornea, we found that substance P and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) synergistically stimulate corneal epithelial migration. Epithelial migration was not affected by the addition of either substance P or IGF-1 alone, but it was stimulated significantly by the combination of substance P and IGF-1. This action of substance P occurred specifically among various kinds of neurotransmitters and tachykinins. One of the mechanisms of this synergism is expressed through the activation of integrin, focal adhesion kinase, and paxillin system. In clinical situations, topical application of substance P and IGF-1 was effective in the treatment of severe neurotrophic keratopathy. These findings imply that interacting neural and humoral factors essential to the maintenance and healing of the epithelium.
日本結合組織学会の論文
1999-12-25