New study shows that a pheromone neprilysin is important for olfactory plasticity in worms and reflects behaviors of attraction and dispersal. While this may be species specific, one might ponder if the mechanims are similar in higher organisms. In any event, this class of neuropeptides have influence on a variety of physiological processes.
Cohen writes "NEP expression is modulated by various factors, including interferon, interleukin (IL)-1
, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
, IL-4
and glucocorticoids. Tobacco smoke has been reported to
inactivate NEP
in vitro and in an animal model, but studies in
humans have not demonstrated a clear difference in NEP activity
between smokers and nonsmokers. Genetic variation
in NEP could account for some of the wide variation observed in
humans. Mice homozygous for NEP null mutations are surprisingly
normal but do exhibit decreased blood pressure, increased microvascular
permeability, and increased susceptibility to endotoxin shock. The hypothesis that genetic variation in NEP expression
may cause differences in susceptibility to disorders such as bronchopulmonary
dysplasia, lung cancer, asthma, and sepsis, in which neuropeptides
have been implicated, remains untested but
attractive."
