title: Tachykinins and tachykinin receptors: effects in the genitourinary tract.
abstract: Tachykinins (TKs) are a family of peptides involved in the central and peripheral regulation of urogenital functions through the stimulation of TK NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors. At the urinary system level, TKs locally stimulate smooth muscle tone, ureteric peristalsis and bladder contractions, initiate neurogenic inflammation and trigger local and spinal reflexes aimed to maintain organ functions in emergency conditions. At the genital level, TKs are involved in smooth muscle contraction, in inflammation and in the modulation of steroid secretion by the testes and ovaries. TKs produce vasodilatation of maternal and fetal placental vascular beds and appear to be involved in reproductive function, stress-induced abortion, and pre-eclampsia. The current data suggest that the genitourinary tract is a primary site of action of the tachykininergic system.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Investigaciones Químicas, Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Isla de La Cartuja, Avda. Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain. luzcandenas@iiq.csic.es
authors.forename: Luz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Candenas
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lecci
authors.forename: Francisco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Patak
authors.forename: Carlo Alberto
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Maggi
authors.forename: Jocelyn N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Pennefather
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018039:Receptors, Tachykinin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D015320:Tachykinins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D011498:Protein Precursors; D018039:Receptors, Tachykinin; C486037:TAC4 protein, human; D015320:Tachykinins