Substance P and calcitonin gene related peptide induce TGF-alpha expression in epithelial cells via mast cells and fibroblasts

Neurotransmitters of the afferent sensory nervous system induce TGFα expression in epithelial cells mediated by mast cells and fibroblasts. Release of CGRP and SP from neuroeffector junctions is an important signal for the TGFα expression after mucosal injury. Mucosal expression of TGFα may contribute to the protective effects of the sensory nervous system after mucosal injury.