Nerve Growth Factor Interactions with Mast Cells

Abstract

Neuropeptides are involved in neurogenic inflammation where there is vasodilation and plasma protein extravasion in response to this stimulus. Nerve growth factor (NGF), identified by Rita Levi Montalcini, is a neurotrophin family compound which is important for survival of nociceptive neurons during their development. Therefore, NGF is an important neuropeptide which mediates the development and functions of the central and peripheral nervous system. It also exerts its proinflammatory action, not only on mast cells but also in B and T cells, neutrophils and eosinophils. Human mast cells can be activated by neuropeptides to release potent mediators of inflammation, and they are found throughout the body, especially near blood vessels, epithelial tissue and nerves. Mast cells generate and release NGF after degranulation and they are involved in iperalgesia, neuroimmune interactions and tissue inflammation. NGF is also a potent degranulation factor for mast cells in vitro and in vivo, promoting differentiation and maturation of these cells and their precursor, acting as a co-factor with interleukin-3. In conclusion, these studies are focused on cross-talk between neuropeptide NGF and inflammatory mast cells.

Ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide reduces viscerovisceral hyperalgesia in a rat model of endometriosis plus ureteral calculosis

“…8,18 Mast cell granules contain, in fact, proalgogenic mediators, primarily NGF. 40,63 Indeed after ultramicronized PEA oral treatment, we found, in ENDO cysts, a significant reduction of NGF levels in parallel with the reduction of MC number. As previously reported, MCs also play a pivotal role in the control of angiogenesis and neurogenesis, key features of ENDO.…”

Brain and Peripheral Atypical Inflammatory Mediators Potentiate Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

“…But, mast cells are very powerful cells and even a few mast cells can release sufficient quantity of inflammatory mediators that can affect BBB and activate glia and neurons in the CNS (Silver and Curley, 2013). Mast cells release neurotrophic factors such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and facilitate neurotransmission, neuronal growth and survival in the normal brain (Kritas et al, 2014a). However, increased number of mast cell involvement and their activation is deleterious, since this could increase BBB permeability, activate astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and T cells in neuroinflammation (Zhang et al, 2016).…”

Neuroendocrinology of the skin

“…Neuropeptides such as substance P (SP) [113], neurotensin (NT) [93], and nerve growth factor (NGF) [114] also stimulate MCs. The ability of neuropeptides to stimulate MCs is augmented by IL-33 [72].…”