Galanin – 25 years with a multitalented neuropeptide: Galanin family of peptides in skin function

. The skin, the largest organ of the body, functions as a barrier between the body proper and the external environment, as it is constantly exposed to noxious stressors. During the last few years, the concept of an interactive network involving cutaneous nerves, the neuroendocrine axis, and the immu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS 2008-06, Vol.65 (12), p.1820-1825
Main Authors: Bauer, J. W., Lang, R., Jakab, M., Kofler, B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biochemistry
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Cell Biology
Dermatology
Immune system
Immunology
Life Sciences
Multi-author Review
Neurology
Peptides
Skin
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:. The skin, the largest organ of the body, functions as a barrier between the body proper and the external environment, as it is constantly exposed to noxious stressors. During the last few years, the concept of an interactive network involving cutaneous nerves, the neuroendocrine axis, and the immune system has emerged. The neuroendocrine system of the skin is composed of locally produced neuroendocrine mediators that interact with specific receptors. Among these mediators are neuropeptides, including members of the galanin peptide family – galanin, galanin-message-associated peptide, galanin-like peptide, and alarin – which are produced in neuronal as well as nonneuronal cells in the skin. Here we review the expression of the galanin peptides and their receptors in the skin, and the known functions of galanin peptides in different compartments of the skin. We discuss these data in light of the role of the galanin peptide family in inflammation and cell proliferation. (Part of a Multi-author Review)
ISSN:1420-682X
1420-9071
DOI:10.1007/s00018-008-8156-5