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Neuroendocrine regulation of sebocytes – a pathogenetic link between stress and acne
Author(s) -
Zouboulis Christos C.,
Böhm Markus
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.108
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0625
pISSN - 0906-6705
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2004.00254.x
Subject(s) - sebaceous gland , endocrinology , medicine , acne , receptor , autocrine signalling , paracrine signalling , endocrine system , neuropeptide , melanocortins , ghrelin , hormone , neuroendocrinology , biology , melanocortin , genetics
A causative link between emotional stress and acne has long been postulated. There is mounting evidence that the molecular mechanism underlying this observation is related to the expression of receptors for several neuroendocrine mediators by the sebaceous gland. Recent and ongoing studies have indicated that human sebocytes express functional receptors for corticotropin‐releasing hormone, melanocortins, β‐endorphin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, neuropeptide Y and calcitonin gene‐related peptide. After ligand binding, these receptors modulate the production of inflammatory cytokines, proliferation, differentiation, lipogenesis and androgen metabolism in sebocytes. By means of their autocrine, paracrine and endocrine actions, these neuroendocrine factors appear to mediate centrally and topically induced stress towards the sebaceous gland, ultimately affecting the clinical course of acne.