Description
Neurokinin B is an endogenous neuromodulatory peptide that binds the neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor and is co-expressed with kisspeptin and dynorphin A. Neurokinin B increases osteoclast activity and bone resorption in vitro and induces contraction in ileal smooth muscle cells. Neurokinin B also exhibits neuroprotective activity, decreasing toxic effects of amyloid-β (Aβ) by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreasing monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and restoring intracellular Ca2+ levels. Neurokinin B may also be used as a biomarker for pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
References
Ichiki T, Kuroishi KN, Gunjigake KK, et al. Neurokinin B activates the formation and bone resorption activity of rat osteoclasts. Neuropeptides. 2011 Jun;45(3):239-44. PMID: 21514667
Mantha AK, Moorthy K, Cowsik SM, et al. Neuroprotective role of neurokinin B (NKB) on beta-amyloid (25-35) induced toxicity in aging rat brain synaptosomes: involvement in oxidative stress and excitotoxicity. Biogerontology. 2006 Feb;7(1):1-17. PMID: 16518716.
Page NM, Woods RJ, Gardiner SM, et al. Excessive placental secretion of neurokinin B during the third trimester causes pre-eclampsia. Nature. 2000 Jun 15;405(6788):797-800. PMID: 10866201.
Suzuki N, Mizuno K, Gomi Y. Tachykinin-induced contractions in the circular muscle of guinea pig ileum. Jpn J Pharmacol. 1994 Jul;65(3):233-40. PMID: 7528285.
