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Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(2): 125-135
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-961816
Review

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

The Non-neuronal Cholinergic System of Human Skin

H. Kurzen 1 , I. Wessler 2 , C. J. Kirkpatrick 2 , K. Kawashima 3 , S. A. Grando 4
  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
  • 2Institute of Pathology, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
  • 3Department of Pharmacology, Kyoritsu College of Pharmacy, Tokyo, Japan
  • 4Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
Further Information

Publication History

received 22. 12. 2005

accepted 16. 3. 2006

Publication Date:
27 February 2007 (online)

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Abstract

In human skin both resident and transiently residing cells are part of the extra- or non-neuronal cholinergic system, creating a highly complex and interconnected cosmos in which acetylcholine (ACh) and choline are the natural ligands of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors with regulatory function in both physiology and pathophysiology. ACh is produced in keratinocytes, endothelial cells and most notably in immune competent cells invading the skin at sites of inflammation. The cholinergic system is involved in basic functions of the skin through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms, like keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and migration, epidermal barrier formation, pigment-, sweat- and sebum production, blood circulation, angiogenesis, and a variety of immune reactions. The pathophysiological consequences of this complex cholinergic “concert” are only beginning to be understood. The present review aims at providing insight into basic mechanisms of this highly complex system.

Keywords

acetylcholine - choline - endocrine - immune system - angiogenesis

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Correspondence

H. Kurzen

Department of Dermatology·Venereology and Allergology·University Medical Center Mannheim

Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg

Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3

68135 Mannheim

Germany

Phone: +49/621/383 22 80

Fax: +49/621/383 38 15

Email: Hjalmar.Kurzen@haut.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

Email: Hjalmar.Kurzen@nexgo.de