The Role of Neuropeptides in Asthma

Abstract

In the last several years, there has been a tremendous increase in our understanding of the neural control of the airways and the effects of peptides on the lung. The identification of a large number of neuropeptides with potent biologic activity and the characterization of nonadrenergic noncholinergic nerve pathways with peptide neurotransmitters have expanded our concepts of airway control. Additionally, this new information has led to speculation about the pathogenesis of asthma and the potential for novel therapies. We still know very little about the precise role of these neuropeptides in the normal lung or disease states, but each advance in knowledge brings us closer to the ultimate goal of providing new approaches to the treatment of asthma.