Abstrakt
This article provides an overview of the structure and function of substance P signalling system and its involvement in the cardiovascular regulation. Substance P is an undecapeptide originating from TAC1 gen and belonging to the tachykinin family.
The biological actions of substance P are mainly mediated through neurokinin receptor 1 since substance P is the ligand with the highest affinity to neurokinin receptor 1. Substance P is widely distributed within the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as in the cardiovascular system.
Substance P is involved in the regulation of heart frequency, blood pressure and in the stretching of vessels. Substance P plays an important role in ischemia and reperfusion and cardiovascular response to stress.
Additionally, it has been also implicated in angiogenesis, pain transmission and inflammation. The substance P/neurokinin receptor 1 receptor system is involved in the molecular bases of many human pathological processes.
Antagonists of neurokinin receptor 1 receptor could provide clinical solutions for a variety of diseases. Neurokinin receptor 1 antagonists are already used in the prevention of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting.