Tachykinins are active peptides which excite neurons, evoke behavioral responses, are potent vasodilators and secretagogues, and contract (directly or indirectly) many smooth muscles (By similarity). Is a critical central regulator of gonadal function. In pregnancy, the expression of NKB is confined to the outer syncytiotrophoblast of the placenta, significant concentrations of NKB can be detected in plasma as early as week 9, and plasma concentrations of NKB are grossly elevated in pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the tachykinin family.