Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor as a molecular target for inflammatory diseases.

Bombesin-like peptides (BLP) and its receptors are widely distributed in mammalian peripheral tissues and in the central nervous system. Recently, effects of these peptides on the production and release of cytokines were described both in animal models and humans with inflammatory diseases. Some pathological conditions such as exposure to tobacco smoke, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and eosinophilic granuloma have recently been found to be associated with an increase of pulmonary BLP-producing cells. Proinflammatory neuropeptides have a key role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of rheumatoid arthritis and sepsis. Together, these findings support the view that the GRPR should be considered a therapeutic target for a subset of inflammatory diseases.