Neurokinin A as a potent bronchoconstrictor.

Neurokinin A (NKA) and B (NKB) were more potent bronchoconstrictive agents than substance P (SP) in guinea pig tracheal strips. The content of NKA in guinea pig lung homogenate was 2.26 +/- 1.09 pmol/g wet lung, which was approximately half that of SP (4.46 +/- 1.33 pmol/g wet lung); NKB was not detected in the guinea pig lung homogenate (less than 0.01 pmol/g wet lung). Histologically, NKA-immunoreactive fibers were distributed in the bronchial smooth muscle layers. Pulmonary arteries and veins were also found to be innervated by NKA-immunoreactive nerves. In addition, a few fibers were observed in the trachea, bronchioles, and alveoli. These findings suggest that NKA may be one of the neurotransmitters of the noncholinergic bronchoconstrictive nerves.