Mast cells as targets of corticotropin releasing factor and related peptides
Theoharis C. Theoharides, Jill M. Donelan, Nikoletta Papadopoulou, Jing Cao,Duraisamy Kempuraj and Pio Conti
Trends in Pharmacol sci 2004;25: 563-568
PDF Version for Download‘, ‘Several inflammatory skin conditions, including atopicdermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, are exacerbated by stress.Recent evidence suggests that crosstalk between mastcells, neurons and keratinocytes might be involved insuch exacerbation. Mast cells are distributed widely inthe skin, are present in increased numbers in AD and arelocated in close proximity to substance P- or neurotensin-containing neurons. Corticotropin-releasing factor(CRF), its structurally related peptide urocortin (Ucn)and their receptors are also present in the skin and theirlevels are increased following stress. Human mast cellssynthesize and secrete both CRF and Ucn in response toimmunoglobulin E receptor (Fc3RI) crosslinking. Mastcells also express CRF receptors, activation of whichleads to the selective release of cytokines and other proinflammatorymediators. Thus, we propose that CRFreceptor antagonists could be used together withnatural molecules, such as retinol and flavonoids, toinhibit mast cell activation and provide new therapeuticoptions for chronic inflammatory conditions exacerbatedby stress.’, ‘PDF Version for Download