The effects of 8 weeks of therapy with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment on the expression of the neuropeptides substance P (SP), nerve growth factor (NGF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in the skin and serum of 8 atopic dermatitis (AD) patients was investigated. Eight normal nonatopic controls were included in the analysis. No statistically significant changes in serum SP or NGF were seen. The immunoreactive cell counts to SP, NGF and NT-3 were significantly higher in AD skin versus controls. Most of these values were significantly decreased after tacrolimus treatment in AD patients (Kim, H-O. et al. Int J Dermatol 2009, 48[4]: 431).