Influence of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P on sudomotor functions

Neuropeptides are the mediators of neurogenic inflammation. Some neuropathic pain states, e.g. complex regional pain syndromes, are characterized by increased neurogenic inflammation and by exaggerated sudomotor function. We have shown that the neuropeptide calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), which is enhanced in complex regional pain syndrome, enhances sweating (Schlereth 2004). The aim of the present study was to explore, whether the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP), which are involved in neurogenic inflammation, influence human sweating. In previous studies VIP and SP…