PMID: 9548509Apr 21, 1998Paper

Human monocytes and macrophages express substance P and neurokinin-1 receptor

The Journal of Immunology : Official Journal of the American Association of Immunologists
W Z HoS D Douglas

Abstract

We present data demonstrating the gene expression of substance P and its receptor in human peripheral blood-isolated monocytes and macrophages. Using the RT-PCR assay, preprotachykinin-A (substance P) mRNA is detected in human peripheral blood-isolated monocytes and macrophages. Among the alpha, beta, and gamma transcripts of the substance P gene, only the beta and gamma transcripts are detectable in these cells. By Southern blot assay these RT-PCR-amplified transcripts are recognized using a specific substance P probe. Sequence analysis of the RT-PCR products from both monocytes and macrophages also confirmed the structure of these transcripts, which are identical to those found in human neuronal cells. At the protein level, both human monocytes and macrophages produced endogenous substance P as determined by an enzyme immunoassay. Capsaicin, a vanillyl fatty acid amide (ingredient of hot pepper), released substance P from both human monocytes and macrophages. In addition, using nested RT-PCR analysis, we identified the presence of mRNA for neurokinin-1 receptor (the receptor for substance P) in human peripheral blood-isolated monocytes and macrophages, which was confirmed by DNA sequencing analysis. The demonstration that hum...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.