Detailed Explanation
Family of neuropeptides sharing a conserved C-terminal sequence (Phe-X-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂). Major mammalian tachykinins are substance P (11 aa), neurokinin A (NKA, 10 aa), and neurokinin B (NKB, 10 aa). They act through NK1 (preferred by substance P), NK2 (preferred by NKA), and NK3 (preferred by NKB) receptors.
The name 'tachykinin' means 'fast mover' — referring to their rapid stimulation of smooth muscle contraction. Tachykinins mediate pain, inflammation, nausea, smooth muscle contraction, and vasodilatation. The NK1 antagonist aprepitant (Emend) is FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
NK3 antagonists are being studied for menopausal hot flashes (fezolinetant/Veozah was FDA-approved in 2023).
Key Facts
- Family of neuropeptides sharing a conserved C-terminal sequence (Phe-X-Gly-Leu-Met-NH₂).
- Major mammalian tachykinins are substance P (11 aa), neurokinin A (NKA, 10 aa), and neurokinin B (NKB, 10 aa).
- They act through NK1 (preferred by substance P), NK2 (preferred by NKA), and NK3 (preferred by NKB) receptors.
- The name 'tachykinin' means 'fast mover' — referring to their rapid stimulation of smooth muscle contraction.
- Tachykinins mediate pain, inflammation, nausea, smooth muscle contraction, and vasodilatation.
- The NK1 antagonist aprepitant (Emend) is FDA-approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
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