Stress Exposure Modulates Peptidergic Innervation and Degranulates Mast Cells in Murine Skin

The 2005 study explored how stress affects the skin's nervous system and immune response in mice. It found that stress exposure significantly increased the number of substance P-positive (SP+) nerve fibers and growth-associated protein 43 (Gap-43)+ nerve fibers, indicating neuronal plasticity. These nerve fibers were more frequently in contact with mast cells, which were often degranulated, suggesting enhanced neuro-immune interactions. The study also observed an increase in apoptotic cells in the skin following stress. The results suggest that stress can lead to neurogenic inflammation and tissue damage, potentially exacerbating skin diseases. The study involved 5 mice per group, with statistical significance determined using the Mann-Whitney U test and p-values below 0.05.