Translational Neuroendocrinology of Human Skin: Concepts and Perspectives

Human skin responds to numerous neurohormones, neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters that reach it via the vasculature or skin nerves, and/or are generated intracutaneously, thus acting in a para- and autocrine manner. This review focuses on how neurohormones impact on human skin physiology and pathology. We highlight basic concepts, major open questions, and translational research perspectives in cutaneous neuroendocrinology and argue that greater emphasis on neuroendocrine human skin research will foster the development of novel dermatological therapies. Furthermore, human skin and its appendages can be used as highly accessible and clinically relevant model systems for probing non-classical, ancestral neurohormone functions. This calls for close interdisciplinary collaboration between dermatologists, skin biologists, neuroendocrinologists, and neuropharmacologists.

Automated summary

Neurohormones play a vital role in human skin physiology and pathology, and their study can lead to novel dermatological therapies. Human skin and its appendages serve as accessible model systems for investigating non-classical neurohormone functions, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.