Neurokinin mediation of edema and inflammation

The aim of this article is to furnish a brief review of the role played by neurokinins in the inflammatory process. Further attention is given to the mechanisms, as well as to the receptor subtypes involved in neurokinin-medi ated inflammation, in an attempt to clarify the participation of neurokinin s in different models of acute and chronic inflammation. The involvement of SP, NKA and NKB is also examined in relation to the major signs of inflamm ation, including edema formation, protein plasma extravasation and vasodila tation. Finally, we provide a general overview on the potential clinical ap plications of neurokinin antagonists, along with the involvement of neuroki nins in human diseases. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.