Levels of vasodilators (SP, CGRP) and vasoconstrictor (NPY) peptides in early human burns

An intact nociceptor system of primary afferent sensory nerves is important for the initiation of the inflammatory process and successful tissue repair. Dysfunction of this system could be a contributing factor for delayed wound healing in humans. We examined the levels of vasodilators [substance P (SP), calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP)] and a vasoconstrictor peptide [neuropeptide Y (NPY)] in the peripheral blood samples of patients with burns covering from 20 to 75% of body surface area. Thirteen patient samples were obtained immediately on admission (OA), which was within 12 h of the thermal injury, and 24 h post‐admission (PA). Enzyme immunoassay techniques were used for the measurement of the neuropeptides. In addition, an inflammatory marker, tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and a myofibrillar protein, creatine kinase (CK), were examined and compared with levels in 13 control subjects. CGRP was high OA and the levels were maintained PA (P