Objective: It has been revealed that substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptides (VIP) have important roles in the neural control of bronchial tone. In this study, we aimed to investigate the levels of substance P and VIP as well as of some cytokines, complements and immunoglobulins in children with moderate to persistent allergic asthma in comparison with values in healthy children.

Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 80 children with allergic asthma and 15 healthy age-matched controls. A peripheral blood sample was obtained from each group. Serum levels of substance P and VIP as well as interleukin (IL)-2, IL- 12, IgA, M, G and E, NBT-test, and C3-C4 were determined by solid phase ELISA.

Results: Substance P level increased and VIP levels decreased with increasing severity of asthma. A dysregulation in cytokines, immunoglobulins and complement levels was also detected.

Conclusion: Differences in the levels of neuropeptides, cytokines and immune system parameters increased as the severity of asthma increased. Demonstration of dysregulation in the immune system might also predict allergic asthma in children with asthma.