Neuropeptides (SP and CGRP) Augment IL-1 Beta Production in HSV-Infected Macrophages

Neuropeptides, possessing specific and functional receptors on various cells of the immune system, have the potential to regulate immune responses; and the macrophages as important components of defense against various agents, are at their influence. In this study the effect of neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on IL-1 beta production by herpes sim plex type-1 (HSV-1)-infected and also uninfected mouse peritoneal macrophages were considered. Each neuropeptide separately has upregulated IL-1 beta produc tion by HSV-1 infected macrophages with the greatest effect at the concentrations of 10''9M for both SP and CGRP, but no synergistic effect on IL-1 production has been observed in the presence of both neuropeptides at optimal concentrations. IL-ip production by uninfected macrophages was also moderately enhanced in the presence of each neuropeptide, but not in the presence of both neuropeptides simultaneously. It can be concluded that IL-1 S3 production, which is part of mac rophage mediated inflammatory response to HSV-1, is enhanced by specific doses of neuropeptides.