Tachykinin receptor

Tachykinin receptor is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that binds tachykinins, a family of peptides. These receptors are part of the larger family of neuropeptide receptors and are found in various tissues throughout the body, including the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.

Function

Tachykinin receptors are involved in a variety of physiological processes. They play a crucial role in the transmission of pain signals in the central nervous system. In the peripheral nervous system, they are involved in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction, vasodilation, and inflammation.

Types

There are three known types of tachykinin receptors: NK1, NK2, and NK3. Each type has a different affinity for the various tachykinins.

• NK1 receptor has a high affinity for substance P, a tachykinin involved in pain transmission and inflammation.
• NK2 receptor has a high affinity for neurokinin A, a tachykinin involved in smooth muscle contraction.
• NK3 receptor has a high affinity for neurokinin B, a tachykinin involved in the regulation of endocrine functions.

Clinical significance

Tachykinin receptors are potential targets for the treatment of various disorders, including chronic pain, asthma, and depression. Drugs that block these receptors, known as tachykinin receptor antagonists, are currently under investigation.

See also

• Tachykinin
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Neuropeptide
• Substance P
• Neurokinin A
• Neurokinin B

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