Tachykinins are active peptides which excite neurons, evoke behavioral responses, are potent vasodilators and secretagogues, and contract (directly or indirectly) many smooth muscles. Endokinin-A induces thermal hyperalgesia and pain-related behavior such as scratching following intrathecal administration in rats. These effects are suppressed by treatment with endokinin-C. Endokinin-A/B reduces arterial blood pressure and increases sperm motility.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Expressed at low levels in the uterus of both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Isoform 1 is found only in the adrenal gland and fetal liver. Isoform 2 is found in heart, liver, bone marrow, prostate, adrenal gland and testis. Isoform 3 and isoform 4 are expressed predominantly in adrenal gland and placenta.