Neuropeptides in the livers of mice during bacterial infections

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 1998 Feb;20(2):159-64. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.1998.tb01123.x.

Abstract

Neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are known to act as immunomodulators. We investigated the induction of SP and VIP in the livers of mice infected with Listeria monocytogenes or injected with Tsukamurella paurometabolum. VIP was detected in the livers of mice after L. monocytogenes infection by an immunohistochemical technique and preproVIP mRNA, which was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), was induced post infection. However, no SP was detected. In contrast, SP, but not VIP was detected within granulomas in the livers of T. paurometabolum-injected mice, suggesting VIP and SP might be selectively induced in the liver by different bacterial infections.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales Infections / metabolism*
  • Actinomycetales*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Listeriosis / metabolism*
  • Liver / chemistry*
  • Mice
  • Protein Precursors / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Substance P / analysis*
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / analysis*
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / genetics

Substances

  • Protein Precursors
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Substance P
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
  • preprovasoactive intestinal peptide