A hendecapeptide from the posterior salivary glands of eledone spp (small octopus spp): Anastasi, Erspamer, Br. J. Pharmacol. 19, 326 (1962); eidem, Experientia 18, 58 (1962). Synthesis: Sandrin, Boissonnas, ibid. 59; eidem, Helv. Chim. Acta 47, 1294 (1964); Lubke et al., Ann. 679, 195 (1964); GB 984810 (1965 to Farmitalia); solid-phase synthesis: P. G. Pietta et al., J. Org. Chem. 39, 44 (1974). Its physiologic action resembles that of the other tachykinins, substance P and physalaemin, q.q.v. Stimulates extravascular smooth muscle, acts as a potent vasodilator and hypotensive agent; in certain species causes salivation, and increases capillary permeability. Pharmacology: Erspamer, Erspamer, Br. J. Pharmacol. 19, 337 (1962); Sicuteri et al., Experientia 19, 44 (1963); G. Bertaccini, Pharmacol. Rev. 28, 127 (1976). Review: Erd"os, Adv. Pharmacol. 4, 64-72 (1966).
Hypotensive; stimulator of lacrimal secretion.
Vasodilator (Peripheral)