Somastatin receptors in the hematopoietic system
- Publication date
- 23 January 2002
- Publisher
- Multiple interactions exist between the immune, hematopoietic, endocrine and nervous
systems [1,2]. The bi-directional communication between the immune/hematopoietic and
nervous systems is mediated by complex mechanisms involving multiple soluble factors (e.g.,
neuropeptides, neurotrophic factors, neurotransmitters and cytokines) produced by each
system [3-5]. Examples of such factors are the neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y [6], produced
by megakaryocytes [7], substance P (SP), which enhances the proliferation of primitive bone
marrow cells and progenitors [4] and nerve growth factor (NGF), which contributes to
differentiation of human basophils [8] and stimulates the release of inflammatory mediators
from these cells [9]. A number of studies have demonstrated the expression of somatostatin
receptors on cells derived from several hematological malignancies and have shown that
somatostatin inhibits proliferation of these cells [1 0]. However, little is known of the effects
of somatostatin on normal blood cell formation (hematopoiesis). This thesis comprises studies
dealing with the role of somatostatin, a neuropeptide with multiple functions in the body, in
hematopoiesis