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Substance P is a neurotransmitter responsible for carrying out pain information between nerve cells. It is a

protein found in the brain and spinal cord as well as in sensory nerves, meaning it appears in both the PNS and CNS. Substance P is associated with

some inflammatory processes in the joints. A deficiency in Substance P causes insensitivity to pain as one

experiences reduced responses to painful stimuli. High levels of Substance P contribute to eczema and fibromyalgia, a condition in which one is

extra sensitive to pain. Over-the-counter creams comprised of capsaicin help deplete Substance P from local

nerve endings and relieve pain. The drug morphine is used to block pain by prohibiting the release of Substance P from sensory nerve endings.

What is SUBSTANCE P?

SUBSTANCE P IS A SMALL PEPTIDE THAT TRANSMITS PAIN SIGNALS FROM THE SENSORY NERVES TO THE CNS.

SENSORY NEURON CNS IN ACTION

SUBSTANCE P

PAIN’S THE NAME OF THE GAME

Substance P is implicated in pain syndromes such as lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.

It is also involved in other physiologic activities (listed to the left).

Excitatory amino acids in the spinal dorsal horn are involved in the

production of inflammatory hyperalgesia. In other words, Substance P is an excitatory neurotransmitter.

EXTRA INFORMATION:

Article:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6183072

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uQZfaURU_Y

Interesting Facts About Substance P:PHYSIOLOGIC ACTIVITIES

1. VOMITING REFLEX

2. DEFENSIVE BEHAVIOR

3. CHANGE IN CARDIOVASCULAR TISSUE

4. STIMULATION OF SALIVARY SECRETION

5. SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION

6. VASODILATION