Serum neurotensin (NT) is increased in psoriasis and NT induces vascular endothelial growth factor release from human mast cells

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and increased epidermal vascularization, associated with high skin vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).1 Neuropeptides have been implicated in psoriasis,2 but their mechanism of action is not well understood. Neurotensin (NT), is a vasoactive peptide,3 which increases histamine release from rodent skin in a mast cell-dependent manner.4 NT also augments the effect of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), secreted under stress, to increase mast cell-dependent skin vascular permeability.5 We therefore investigated NT serum levels, as well as the expression of genes encoding NT and NT receptor-1 (NTR-1) in the skin of patients with psoriasis and controls. We also studied the effect of NT on VEGF release in human cultured mast cells.