Substance P (SP) is an 11-amino acid peptide that belongs to the tachykinin family of peptides. It acts as a neuropeptide and neurotransmitter in the brain, but behaves as a hormone in the periphery. It acts via neurokinin-1 receptor, designated NK-1R.

It is postulated that substance P may affect fat tissue mass through effects on both preadipocyte replication as well as programmed cell death (apoptosis)

The use of substance P antagonist has been used to demonstrate prevention of weight gain in high fat fed mice as well as to induce weight loss in obese mice with reduction in adiposity and improvement of insulin sensitivity. The actions seemed to be mediated  at least in part through an inhibition of food intake.  

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    This page was last updated on: 28/03/2009

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