Neurokinin A

Also known as NKA, Substance K, Neuromedin L

Neurokinin A is an endogenous tachykinin neuropeptide that preferentially activates NK2 receptors, used to study nociception and inflammation.

Length: 10 amino acids
Half-life: Very short, rapidly degraded by peptidases in plasma and tissue.
Mechanism: It is a potent agonist of the tachykinin NK2 receptor, with lower affinity for NK1 receptors.
Studied in: Used in neuroscience to study the role of the tachykinin system and NK2 receptors in smooth muscle contraction, inflammation, and nociception.

About Neurokinin A

Neurokinin A (NKA) is a decapeptide belonging to the tachykinin family, which also includes Substance P and Neurokinin B. It is encoded by the TAC1 gene and is often co-released with Substance P from the terminals of primary sensory neurons. The peptide has the sequence His-Lys-Thr-Asp-Ser-Phe-Val-Gly-Leu-Met-NH2.

NKA serves as a key tool for probing the tachykinin system. In laboratory preparations, it is used as a relatively selective agonist to activate NK2 receptors, allowing researchers to differentiate their functions from those mediated by NK1 or NK3 receptors. Common experimental models involve studying its effects on airway or gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction, as well as its role in mediating neurogenic inflammation and pain signaling pathways.

Laboratory notes

NKA is often co-localized and co-released with Substance P from the same nerve terminals.
Highly susceptible to enzymatic degradation by neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
A C-terminal amidation is crucial for its biological activity and receptor binding.

Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.

Questions about Neurokinin A

What is the primary receptor for Neurokinin A?

Its primary target is the tachykinin NK2 receptor, for which it has high affinity and potency.

How does Neurokinin A differ from Substance P?

While both are tachykinins derived from the same gene, Neurokinin A preferentially activates NK2 receptors, whereas Substance P preferentially activates NK1 receptors, allowing for distinct physiological effects.

Why is NKA's half-life so short?

It is rapidly broken down by common peptidases found in tissues. This characteristic must be accounted for in experimental design, for instance by using peptidase inhibitors or stable analogs.

Is Neurokinin A for human use?

No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.

Related research peptides

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