50 Best Peptides

This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Read disclaimer

#124

Substance P

NeuropeptideSPNeurokinin A Precursor-Related Peptide

An 11-amino acid neuropeptide involved in pain signaling, inflammation, and mood regulation, acting primarily through the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Share:

Overview

Substance P is an 11-amino acid neuropeptide belonging to the tachykinin family, first identified by Ulf von Euler and John Gaddum in 1931 in extracts of equine brain and intestine. The "P" originally stood for "powder" or "preparation," as it was identified before its structure was fully characterized. Its complete amino acid sequence was determined in 1971 by Michael Chang and Susan Leeman. Substance P is encoded by the TAC1 gene and is widely distributed in both the central and peripheral nervous systems.

Substance P exerts its primary biological effects through the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor found throughout the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral tissues. In pain signaling, Substance P is released from primary afferent sensory neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where it transmits and amplifies nociceptive (pain) signals. It plays a crucial role in the sensitization of pain pathways and the development of neurogenic inflammation.

Beyond pain, Substance P has important roles in inflammation, where it promotes vasodilation, plasma extravasation, and immune cell recruitment. It stimulates the degranulation of mast cells, contributing to allergic and inflammatory responses. In the central nervous system, Substance P is involved in mood regulation, stress responses, and the vomiting reflex. The NK-1 receptor has been a significant drug target, with aprepitant (Emend) being an NK-1 antagonist approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Research into NK-1 receptor antagonists for depression showed initial promise but ultimately yielded disappointing results in large clinical trials, despite strong preclinical data. However, the role of Substance P in various pathological conditions continues to be an active area of investigation, including in chronic pain syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain psychiatric disorders.

Research Uses & Applications

  • Biomarker in pain and inflammation research
  • Target pathway for NK-1 receptor antagonist drugs (e.g., aprepitant for nausea/vomiting)
  • Research tool for studying nociception and pain transmission
  • Investigated as a biomarker for stress, trauma, and mood disorders
  • Studied in the context of neurogenic inflammation and inflammatory disease
  • Research into its role in wound healing and tissue repair processes

Key Research Findings

  • Identification of Substance P as a key mediator of pain transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn established the foundation for modern pain neurobiology.
  • NK-1 receptor antagonists (e.g., aprepitant) proved highly effective for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, leading to FDA approval.
  • Clinical trials of NK-1 antagonists for major depression showed initial promise but failed to demonstrate consistent efficacy in larger studies.
  • Elevated Substance P levels have been found in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain conditions.
  • Research showed Substance P promotes wound healing by stimulating angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation in skin injury models.

Risks & Side Effects

  • Substance P is not used therapeutically; research focuses on blocking its activity rather than administering it.
  • Elevated Substance P levels are associated with increased pain, inflammation, and adverse mood states.
  • NK-1 receptor antagonist drugs have their own side effect profiles distinct from Substance P itself.
  • Exogenous administration would cause pain, inflammation, and other adverse effects.
  • Research reagent-grade Substance P is not intended for human therapeutic use.

Administration

Not administered therapeutically in clinical medicine. Used as a research reagent at concentrations ranging from nanomolar to micromolar in cell culture and animal studies. In research settings, may be administered via intradermal injection (for neurogenic inflammation studies), intrathecal injection (for pain research), or applied to cell cultures. Clinical therapeutic efforts focus on NK-1 receptor antagonism rather than Substance P administration.

Legal Status

Available as a research reagent from scientific chemical suppliers. Not approved or marketed as a therapeutic agent. NK-1 receptor antagonists (aprepitant, fosaprepitant, rolapitant) are FDA-approved prescription medications for antiemetic use. Substance P itself is not a controlled substance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Substance P?

An 11-amino acid neuropeptide involved in pain signaling, inflammation, and mood regulation, acting primarily through the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor in the central and peripheral nervous systems.

What are the main uses of Substance P?

The primary research applications of Substance P include: Biomarker in pain and inflammation research; Target pathway for NK-1 receptor antagonist drugs (e.g., aprepitant for nausea/vomiting); Research tool for studying nociception and pain transmission; Investigated as a biomarker for stress, trauma, and mood disorders; Studied in the context of neurogenic inflammation and inflammatory disease; Research into its role in wound healing and tissue repair processes.

What are the risks and side effects of Substance P?

Documented risks and side effects include: Substance P is not used therapeutically; research focuses on blocking its activity rather than administering it.; Elevated Substance P levels are associated with increased pain, inflammation, and adverse mood states.; NK-1 receptor antagonist drugs have their own side effect profiles distinct from Substance P itself.; Exogenous administration would cause pain, inflammation, and other adverse effects.; Research reagent-grade Substance P is not intended for human therapeutic use.. Always consult a healthcare professional before considering any peptide.

Is Substance P legal?

Available as a research reagent from scientific chemical suppliers. Not approved or marketed as a therapeutic agent. NK-1 receptor antagonists (aprepitant, fosaprepitant, rolapitant) are FDA-approved prescription medications for antiemetic use. Substance P itself is not a controlled substance.

How is Substance P administered?

Not administered therapeutically in clinical medicine. Used as a research reagent at concentrations ranging from nanomolar to micromolar in cell culture and animal studies. In research settings, may be administered via intradermal injection (for neurogenic inflammation studies), intrathecal injection (for pain research), or applied to cell cultures. Clinical therapeutic efforts focus on NK-1 receptor antagonism rather than Substance P administration.

Related Peptides

#125

Neuropeptide Y

Neuropeptide

#137

Beta-Endorphin

Neuropeptide

#138

Enkephalin (Met-Enkephalin)

Neuropeptide

#139

Dynorphin A

Neuropeptide

Stay Updated on Peptide Research

Get the latest peptide research news and updates delivered to your inbox.

Official Store

Experience Peptides on Your Skin

Shop our curated collection of peptide-infused skincare — Copper Peptide serums, anti-aging treatments, hydrogel patches, and more.

Shop Peptide Skincare

Important Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before considering any peptide or supplement. 50 Best Limited does not endorse, recommend, or promote the use of any peptide for self-administration. Read our full disclaimer.

← #123 Somatostatin#125 Neuropeptide Y →