Helospectin, induces a potent relaxation of human airways in vitro

Helospectin is a neuropeptide of the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/secretin/glucagon family. Several members of this family display biological activities relevant to obstructive airway disease and although the literature in this area is rapidly expanding very little is known about the effects of helospectin. The smooth muscle relaxation induced by helospectin on human bronchi and pulmonary arteries were therefore assessed in vitro, using tissue baths. Helospectin induced a potent relaxation of human bronchi and since helospectin-like immunoreactive nerve fibers along with possible target receptors previously have been reported in the human lung, helospectin might play a role in endogenous regulation of airway tone.