The mammalian tachykinin ligand-receptor system: an emerging target for central neurological disorders.
Our understanding of the complex signaling neurophysiology of the central nervous system has facilitated the exploration of potential novel receptor-ligand system targets for disorders of this most complex organ. In recent years, many relatively neglected receptor-ligand systems have been re-evaluated with respect to their ability to potently modulate discrete tracts in the central nervous system. One such system is the tachykinin (previously neurokinin) system. The multiple heptahelical G protein-coupled receptors and neuropeptide ligands that comprise this system may be significantly involved in more central nervous systems actions than previously thought, including sleep disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Machado-Joseph disease. The development of our understanding of the role of the tachykinin receptor-ligand system in higher order central functions is likely to allow the creation of more specific and selective tachykinin-related neurotherapeutics.
Pantaleo
Nick
N
Receptor Pharmacology Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
Chadwick
Wayne
W
Park
Sung-Soo
SS
Wang
Liyun
L
Zhou
Yu
Y
Martin
Bronwen
B
Maudsley
Stuart
S
D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008322:Mammals; D018039:Receptors, Tachykinin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015320:Tachykinins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*
D018039:Receptors, Tachykinin; D015320:Tachykinins