Neuronal Plasticity of the Brain-Skin Connection: Stress-Triggered Up-Regulation of Neuropeptides in Dorsal Root Ganglia and Skin via Nerve Growth Factor-Dependent Pathways

    July 2007 in “ Journal of Molecular Medicine ”
    Ricarda Joachim, Arne Kuhlmei, Q. Thai Dinh, Bori Handjiski, T. Fischer, Eva M.J. Peters, Burghard F. Klapp, Ralf Paus, Petra C. Arck
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    TLDR Stress increases certain chemicals in the skin and nerves, which might worsen skin conditions.
    In the 2007 study, researchers found that stress and nerve growth factor (NGF) injections in mice increased the levels of neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and skin. This up-regulation led to a higher number of SP and CGRP nerve fibers in the dermis, which could be prevented by neutralizing NGF, indicating NGF's crucial role in this process. These findings suggest that stress can exacerbate skin disorders, potentially including alopecia areata, by promoting neurogenic inflammation through NGF-dependent pathways. The study did not specify the total number of mice used but mentioned groups of four for certain treatments.
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