Ocular gateway reflex, which is mediated by sensory nerve, and relapsing control by neurotransmitter

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K09743
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 56060:Ophthalmology-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: Yanai Ryoji 山口大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (10346554)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 村上 正晃 北海道大学, 遺伝子病制御研究所, 教授 (00250514) ; 園田 康平 九州大学, 医学研究院, 教授 (10294943) ; 湧田 真紀子 山口大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (30886289) ; 木村 和博 山口大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 教授 (60335255) ; 寺西 慎一郎 山口大学, 医学部附属病院, 講師 (90649360)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: ぶどう膜炎 / 免疫細胞ゲート / ゲートウェイ反射 / サブスタンスP / サイトカイン / ケモカイン / 慢性炎症

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Uveitis causes intraocular inflammation, which leads to vision loss. Currently, immunosuppressive therapy can control acute inflammation, but there is no way to control chronic inflammation or flare-ups. The immune cell gates found in the central nervous system are also present in the eye, and neurotransmitters may be involved in their formation. In this study, we tested whether the neurotransmitter substance P is involved in the regulation of intraocular inflammation and investigated its efficacy as a therapeutic target.
The results suggest that a decrease in substance P alters inflammation-related cytokines and chemokines in the eye and suppresses immune cell migration. This study indicates that neurotransmitters may be involved in the regulation of chronic inflammation.

Free Research Field

眼炎症

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果により、眼内の慢性炎症の制御に神経系を介した新たなアプローチを提供する可能性がある。