Neurokinin B

Neurokinin B is an endogenous neuromodulatory peptide that binds the neurokinin 3 (NK3) receptor and is co-expressed with kisspeptin and dynorphin A. Neurokinin B increases osteoclast activity and bone resorption in vitro and induces contraction in ileal smooth muscle cells. Neurokinin B also exhibits neuroprotective activity, decreasing toxic effects of amyloid-β (Aβ) by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreasing monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, and restoring intracellular Ca2+ levels. Neurokinin B may also be used as a biomarker for pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia.