Everything about Substance P totally explained
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In
neuroscience,
Substance P is a
neuropeptide: a short-chain
polypeptide that functions as a
neurotransmitter and as a
neuromodulator. It belongs to the
tachykinin neuropeptide family.
It is an 11-
amino acid polypeptide with the sequence: Arg Pro Lys Pro Gln Gln Phe Phe Gly Leu Met
History
It was discovered by
Ulf von Euler and
John H. Gaddum in
1931.
Receptor
The
endogenous receptor for Substance P is
neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1-receptor, NK1R). It belongs to the
tachykinin receptor sub-family of
GPCRs.
Functions
In the
central nervous system, substance P has been associated in the regulation of
mood disorders,
anxiety,
stress,
reinforcement,
neurogenesis,
respiratory rhythm,
neurotoxicity,
nausea/
emesis,
pain and
nociception.
Vomiting
The
vomiting center in the
brainstem contains high concentrations of substance P and its receptor, in addition to other neurotransmitters such as
choline,
histamine,
dopamine,
serotonin, and
opioids. Their activation stimulates the vomiting reflex. Different emetic pathways exist, and substance P/NK1R appears to be within the final common pathway to regulate vomiting.
Substance P antagonist (SPA)
aprepitant is available in the market in the treatment of
chemotherapy-induced nausea / emesis.
Pain
Substance P is involved in
nociception, transmitting information about tissue damage from peripheral receptors to the
central nervous system to be converted to the sensation of
pain. It has been theorized that it plays a part in
fibromyalgia.
Capsaicin has been shown to reduce the levels of Substance P probably by reducing the number of
C-fibre nerves or causing these nerves to be more tolerant. Thus Capsaicin is clinically used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain associated with arthritis and many types of neuralgia.
Stimulating cellular growth
Substance P has been shown to stimulate cellular growth in cell culture, and it was shown that Substance P could promote wound healing of non-healing
ulcers in humans. It has also been shown to reverse diabetes in mice.
Vasodilation
It also has effects as a potent
vasodilator. This is caused by the release of
nitric oxide from the
endothelium. Its release can cause
hypotension.
Eczema
High levels of
BDNF and Substance P have been found associated with increased itching in
eczema.
Substance P in gastrointestinal infection
Entamoeba histolytica is a single-celled parasitic
protozoan that infects the lower gastrointestinal tract of humans, producing symptoms of
diarrhea,
constipation, and
abdominal pain. This protozoan was found to secrete
serotonin, as well as substance P and
neurotensin.
Animals without Substance P
Naked mole rats lack Substance P and don't feel
pain when painful stimuli are administered to the skin.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Substance P'.
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