Overview of the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists

Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonists block substance P-mediated NK-1 receptors which are present in the abdominal vagus, the brainstem, and the area postrema in the brainstem. Substance P is a mammalian tachykinin that is found in vagal afferent neurons innervating the brainstem and sends impulses to the vomiting center (1). Compounds that block NK-1 receptors lessen emesis after cisplatin, ipecac, apomorphine, and radiation therapy (1).