Role of nerve growth factor in RANTES expression by keratinocytes.

A role of neurogenic inflammation induced by the neuropeptides and nerve growth factor (NGF) has been attributed to the pathogenesis of several cutaneous disorders such as psoriasis, wound healing and eczematous dermatitis. The underlying mechanisms of the inflammatory process induced by NGF are not clearly established. This study explored whether NGF influences the inflammatory process by inducing chemokines. The effects of NGF were investigated on induction of 2 important chemokines, interleukin-8 and RANTES, which are known to be upregulated in the keratinocytes of various inflammatory conditions. NGF significantly increased RANTES production by the keratinocytes (p < 0.001, 2-tailed Student's t-test). Induction of RANTES expression in the keratinocytes by NGF provides further insight regarding the role of NGF-NGF receptor system in cutaneous inflammatory conditions.