Neurogenic inflammation in acute pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis is a clinical condition whose incidence has increased over the past few years. The exact mechanism of its development is not yet clear. Substance P, the proinflammatory neuropeptide, has a role in the initiation of neurogenic inflammation. Substance P and its receptor neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) are involved in the development of local as well as systemic inflammation in acute pancreatitis. This editorial focuses on the role of substance P and its receptors in the development of acute pancreatitis.