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Substance P Regulates Migration in Rat Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: In Brief Objective: The current study examined the effect of substance P (SP) upon intestinal epithelial cells and the mechanistic details of this interaction. Summary Background Data: Intestinal epithelial cells must be capable of migration to reseal mucosal wounds for several vital intestinal functions. This process is incompletely understood; however, recent evidence implicates the neurotransmitter SP in this process. Methods: Normal rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6 cells) were studied to identify the presence of the SP receptor (NK-1 subtype) and then exposed to physiologic doses of SP and antagonists to assess for increased migration. Results: Examination IEC-6 cells revealed the presence of the SP receptor. Wounding of these cells followed by subsequent exposure to SP (10−9 mol/L) resulted in increased migration. Similarly, SP-induced increases in intracellular calcium concentration and actomyosin stress fiber formation. These effects were all blocked through specific NK-1 receptor antagonists. Conclusions: These results indicate that SP stimulates intestinal epithelial migration and increases in calcium concentration. These data support a beneficial role for SP in the maintenance of intestinal mucosal homeostasis. Neuropeptide substance P demonstrates direct effects on rat intestinal epithelial cells in vitro. Physiologic doses of substance P applied to these epithelial cells induced increased rates of migration as well as phenotypical changes associated with migration.

Source: Annals of Surgery

DOI: 10.1097/01.sla.0000245549.57076.db