Progresses of tachykinins and its receptors in asthma

Tachykinins are potent mediators of many functions in the airways.The tachykinins substance P and neurokinin A,presenting in human airways,can be recovered from the airways after a series of stimuli.They interact in the airways with tachykinin Neurokinin1,Neurokinin2 and Neurokinin3 receptors to cause bronchoconstriction,plasma extravasation,mucus secretion and to attract and activate immune cells and inflammation cells.They play a important role in the pathophysiology of asthma.However,the application of tachykinin receptor antagonists in clinic has been rather slow and somehow disappointing and needs to be further studied. Key words: Tachykinin;  Substance P;  Neurokinin A;  Asthma