Increased levels of substance p and calcitonin gene‐related peptide in rat adjuvant arthritis: combined immunohistochemical and radioimmunoassay analysis

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Abstract
Objective. To analyze the occurrence of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) in ankle joints and corresponding dorsal root ganglia (L2–L6) of rats with adjuvant arthritis. Methods. Arthritis was induced by inoculation with heat-killed mycobacteria. The morphologic distribution of SP and CGRP was assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Tissue concentrations of the neuropeptides were determined by radioimmunoassay. Results. Neuronal CGRP-like immunoreactivity was clearly increased in the synovium and the dorsal root ganglia, whereas the increase in SP-positive structures was less pronounced. The tissue concentrations of SP and CGRP were significantly increased both in ankle joints and in dorsal root ganglia. Conclusion. Levels of sensory neuropeptides are increased under conditions of joint inflammation.

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