Neurokinin A (Substance K) NYS DOH Approved tests PFI#9065

• ISI Order Code:

  NKA

• CPT Code:

  83519

Clinical Significance:

Neurokinin A is a ten amino acid putative transmitter synthesized in the neurons it is present in.  Neurokinin A is a member of the family called Tachykinins which also include Neurokinin B, Substance P, Physalaemin, and Eledoisin.   Neurokinin A shares 6 of 10 peptide homologies with Neurokinin B even though they are produced by different genes.   Neurokinin A is also very similar in structure to Substance P and produces some of the same biological actions as Substance P.  Neurokinin A is a potent bronchoconstrictor.  In the gut, Neurokinin A is produced by the intrinsic enteric nervous system.

• Reference Range:

  Up to 40 pg/mL

• Procedure:

  Neurokinin A is measured by direct radioimmunoassay.

• Expected Turnaround Time:

  5–7 Business Days

Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of receipt of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering facility.

• Report:

  Sample Report

Patient Preparation:

Patient should not be on any medications that affect hypertension, gastrointestinal functions, or pain relievers, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection of specimen.

Specimen Collection:

Collect 10mL blood directly into ISI’s Z-tube^TM Preservative and separate as soon as possible. Freeze plasma immediately after separation. Special Z-tube Preservatives are available from ISI. Minimum specimen size is 1mL.

Note: one Z-tube^TM may be shared for up to three tests (Pancreastatin, NKA, and 5HIAA). After centrifuging the tube, aliquot 1mL per test in separate vials, mark with name of test and freeze.

Please contact ISI for separation using a non refrigerated centrifuge. Contact ISI for details.

The Inter Science Institute Z-tube™ collection and preservative tube is intended  for use with Inter Science Institute’s 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), Neurokinin A (NKA), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), Neurotensin, Pancreastatin, and Substance P assays only. It has not been validated for use with other in vitro assays. Effects of using this device other than as intended are unknown, and is not recommended.

Important Precaution:

Specimens for this assay must be collected using the Z-tube^TM. Specimens must be shipped frozen; specimens are not stable at refrigerated or room temperatures. No other specimens are acceptable.

• Rejection Criteria:

  Gross hemolysis/lipemia/icteric

Special Specimens:

For tumor/tissue and various fluids (i.e. CSF, peritoneal, synovial, etc.) contact the Institute for requirements and special handling.

Shipping Instructions:

Ship specimens frozen in dry ice.

References:

1. Mamikunian P, Ardill JES, O’Dorisio TM, et al.Validation of neurokinin A (NKA) assays in the United States and Europe. Pancreas. 2011;40(7):1000-5.

2. Diebold AE, Boudreaux JP, Wang YZ et al. Neurokinin A levels predict survival in patients with well differentiated small bowel neuroendocrine tumors. Surgery. In Press.

3. Kimuro S, Okada M, Sugata Y. Novel neuropeptides neurokinin alpha and beta, isolated from porcine spinal cord. Proc Japan Acad. 1983;59:101.

4. Nawa H, Kotani H, Nakanishi S. Tissue specific generation of tissue pre-pro-tachykinin mRNAs from one gene by alternative RNA splicing. Nature. 1984-5;312(5996):729-34

5. Theodorsson-Norheim E, Norheim I, et alG. Neuropeptide K: a major tachykinin in plasma and tumor tissues from carcinoid patients. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1985;131(1):77-83.

6. Conlon JM, Deacon CF, Richter G, et al. Measurement and partial characterization of the multiple forms of neurokinin A-like immunoreactivity in carcinoid tumours. Regul Pept. 1986;Jan;13(2):183-96.

7. Hunt RH, Tougas G. Evolving concepts in functional gastrointestinal disorders: promising directions for novel pharmaceutical treatments. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. 2002;16(6):869-83.

8. Ardill JE, Erikkson B. The importance of the measurement of circulating markers in patients with neuroendocrine tumours of the pancreas and gut. Endocr Relat Cancer. 2003;10(4):459-62

9. Chen LW, Yung KK, Chan YS. Neurokinin peptides and neurokinin receptors as potential therapeutic intervention targets of basal ganglia in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Curr Drug Targets. 2004;5(2):197-206.

10. Severini C, Ciotti MT, Mercanti D, et al. The tachykinin peptide family. Pharmacol Rev.2002;54(2):285-322.

11. Pennefather JN, Lecci A, Candenas ML, et al. Tachykinins and tachykinin receptors: a growing family. Life Sci. 2004;74(12):1445-63.