Galanin is a modulator of eccrine sweat gland secretion

Abstract

The neuropeptide galanin has been ascribed different roles in modulating physiological functions in the skin. The present study examined the function of galanin in eccrine sweat gland physiology. We demonstrated secretion of galanin by sweat glands in vivo by radioimmunoassay of human sweat (20-192 fmol galanin/ml). Furthermore, human sweat glands expressed galanin receptors GalR2 and GalR3. Using chamber short-circuit current (Isc) measurements showed that application of galanin to human NCL-SG3 cells led to a significant increase in Isc, which was inhibited by the presence of chloride channel blockers and in chloride-free Krebs solution. Additionally, application of SNAP 37889, a non-peptidergic selective antagonist of GalR3, abolished the effect of galanin on Isc. In summary, our results show that galanin can regulate transepithelial chloride ion transport and fluid secretion by stimulating GalR3 in NCL-SG3 cells and demonstrate a possible important extraneural function of galanin in sweat gland physiology.

GAL 3 receptor KO mice exhibit an anxiety-like phenotype

“…Furthermore, GAL has functions in eccrine sweat gland physiology, because application of GAL to NCL-SG3 cells increased short-circuit (Isc) currents. Application of SNAP 37889 inhibited the effect of GAL on Isc currents, indicating that the observed GAL effects are mediated via GAL 3 receptors (24). Based on these results, we hypothesized that sudomotor function differs between GAL 3 -KO and WT mice.…”

“…Recently, it was reported that GAL and GAL 3 receptor are involved in eccrine sweat gland secretion (24,25). Because we found GAL 3 receptor to be involved in anxietyrelated behavior, and because sweating is influenced by anxiety, we investigated the role of GAL 3 receptor in sudomotor function.…”

Physiology, Signaling, and Pharmacology of Galanin Peptides and Receptors: Three Decades of Emerging Diversity

“…Recently, it was shown that the NCL-SG3 cell line derived from human eccrine sweat gland secretory epithelia expresses GAL mRNA (Bovell et al, 2013). Because this cell line produces galanin peptide immunoreactivity (B.…”

“…Because this cell line produces galanin peptide immunoreactivity (B. Holub and R. Lang, unpublished data) and galanin is present in human sweat at concentrations up to 10-fold higher than in serum (Bovell et al, 2013), it is likely that members of the galanin peptide family are secreted by eccrine sweat glands and transported to the skin surface to exert their antimicrobial activity, similar to other cutaneous antimicrobial peptides (Schittek et al, 2001;Murakami et al, 2002).…”

“…Furthermore, galanin and GALP can regulate transepithelial chloride ion transport and fluid secretion in NCL-SG3 cells (Bovell et al, 2013). Although a possible contribution of GAL 2 could not be excluded, the effects of galanin and GALP on anion movement were shown to be mediated via GAL 3 (Bovell et al, 2013), establishing GAL 3 as an important component of normal eccrine sweat gland physiology.…”