Substance P

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 Substance P
• Substance P is a polypeptide consisting of 11 amino acids
(undecapeptide)
• It is believed to be the transmitter signaling the sensation of
sharp pain at the spinal termination of the primary sensory
afferents
• Capsaicin, the active ingredient of Capsicum, depletes
Substance P from its stores and gives the characterisitc pain
sensation

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 Substance P Receptors

• The action of Substance P is mediated by 3

Receptors
– NK1
– NK2

– NK3

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Substance P Recepetors

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 Substance P Distribution

• Substance P and NK1 receptors are widely

distributed in the brain and are specifically found in
brain regions that regulate emotion
• They are also found in close association with 5-HT
and neurons containing Norepinephrine that are
targeted by the currently used antidepressant drugs

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 Pharmacological Actions
• Substance P is an important element in the Pain perception

• The sensory function of Substance P is thought to be related

to the transmission of pain information into the CNS
• Substance P coexists with the excitatory neurotransmitter
glutamate in primary afferents that respond to painful
stimulation

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 Pharmacological Actions
• Substance P has been associated with the regulation of mood
disorders, anxiety, neurogenesis, neurotoxicity, nausea/emesis, pain
and nociception
• The vomiting center in the brain stem contains high concentrations of
Substance P and its receptor, in addition to other neurotransmitters
such as Choline, Histamine, dopamine, serotonin and opioids. Their
activation stimulates the vomiting reflex
• Substance P antagonist (SPA) aprepitant is used in the treatment of
chemotherapy induced nausea/emesis

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 Pharmacological Actions
• Substance P is an important element in the Pain perception

• The sensory function of Substance P is thought to be related

to the transmission of pain information into the CNS
• Substance P coexists with the excitatory neurotransmitter
glutamate in primary afferents that respond to painful
stimulation

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 Thank You

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