title: Extending the understanding of sensory neuropeptides.
abstract: The tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A are present in human airways, in sensory nerves and immune cells. Tachykinins can be recovered from the airways after inhalation of ozone, cigarette smoke or allergen. They interact in the airways with tachykinin NK1, NK2 and NK3 receptors to cause bronchoconstriction, plasma protein extravasation, and mucus secretion and to attract and activate immune cells. In preclinical studies they have been implicated in the pathophysiology of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including allergen- and cigarette smoke induced airway inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and mucus secretion. Dual NK1/NK2 or triple NK1/NK2/NK3 tachykinin receptor antagonists offer therapeutic potential in airway diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Respiratory Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium.
authors.forename: Katelijne O
authors.initials: KO
authors.lastname: De Swert
authors.forename: Guy F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Joos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D015288:Neurokinin A / Q000378:metabolism*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000378:metabolism*; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D018039:Receptors, Tachykinin / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D019141:Respiratory System Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents; D018039:Receptors, Tachykinin; D019141:Respiratory System Agents; D013373:Substance P; D015288:Neurokinin A