Mast cell-tachykinin interactions

Biological Importance of Mast Cell-Tachykinin Interactions... 

We will first consider the synthesis, release and localization of tachykinins in the airways. Next we will examine the impact of tachykinin degradation and tachykinin receptor expression on the physiological actions of these neurotransmitters in the airways. Finally, we will review the evidence for modulation of the effects of tachykinins in the inflammatory microenvironment (e.g. in asthma) and we will describe the interactions of tachykinins with mast cells and lymphocytes. 

The amplification of physiological responses through the interactions of mast cells with C-fiber-containing neurons is an important phenomenon (Fig. 7.3). The data reviewed above demonstrate that products of mast cells stimulate C-fibers which release tachykinins from nerve terminals. In addition, tachykinins can cause mast cell activation. 

The potential for amplification of airway responses is intriguing. Mast cell products released by specific antigen-IgE interactions could stimulate C-fibers to release tachykinins, and these tachykinins could then stimulate the mast cells that fell within the dendritic network of the particular nerve involved. Therefore, local antigen-induced stimulation of mast cells could spread far beyond the diffusion distance for the antigen in question. The specific relevance of this proposed amplification mechanism to human disease has not been evaluated. 

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