Peripheral blood concentrations of the proinflammatory peptide substance P (SP) have been shown to increase in response to psychological anxiety in human subjects. In this study, we examined changes in SP levels in peripheral blood in response to the anxiety of a diagnostic medical procedure. The levels of SP were found to be higher in subjects with high initial anxiety as compared to subjects with low initial anxiety as measured on the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist. Changes in the percentages of CD-8-expressing T lymphocytes were found to correlate with alterations in measures of anxiety as well as SP. These changes persisted for 3 days following the diagnostic procedure. The results of the study seem to indicate that SP may serve as a mediator in stress-induced immune reactions.

Keywords:
Anxiety, CD4, CD8, CD3, Immune modulation, Substance P
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1997 S. Karger AG, Basel
1997
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.