POSSIBLE EXISTENCE OF A NEW TACHYKININ RECEPTOR SUBTYPE IN THE GUINEA-PIG ILEUM

The guinea pig ileum possesses NK-1 and NK-3 tachykinin receptors. As expected, [Pro9]SP and senktide, which are selective agonists of NK-1 and NK-3 receptors, respectively, were found to be highly potent in contracting the guinea pig ileum. Surprisingly, similar observations were made with septide, SP-O-CH3, [Apa9-10]SP, or [Pro9,10]SP although, in contrast to [Pro9]SP, these four peptides showed a low affinity for H-3-[Pro9]SP-specific NK-1 binding sites on membranes from the guinea pig ileum. They were also devoid of affinity for NK-2 and NK-3 binding sites. GR 71251, a compound which has been described as a NK-1 antagonist, was more potent in inhibiting the septide- than the [Pro9]SP-evoked contracting response. Altogether. these results suggest that septide, [Apa9-10]SP, and [Pro9,10]SP exert their high contracting activity in the guinea pig ileum by acting on a new subtype of tachykinin receptors.