On human small isolated bronchi (diameter < 1 mm), but not on larger bronchi (diameter 3-5 mm), substance P (SP) and specific tachykinin SP-preferring neurokinin (NK1) receptor agonists {[beta Ala4, Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP-(4-11), [Sar9, Met(O2)11]SP, [Arg6,Sar9,Met(O2)11]SP-(6-11), and septide; 10(-10) to 10(-6) M} produced a concentration-dependent contraction that occurred at low concentrations (pD2 values of 7.79-8.33) and was characterized by a low intrinsic activity [maximal effect (Emax) of 38-45% of Emax induced by 3 mM acetylcholine, in a noncumulative manner]. Comparison of cumulative and noncumulative concentration-response curves to SP and NK1 receptor agonists suggest rapid receptor desensitization. The SP (10(-8) M)-induced contraction was inhibited by tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonists (rank order of potency: SR-140333 > CP-96,345 > RP-67580) but not by the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist SR-48968. Indomethacin (10(-6) M) abolished the SP-induced contraction. Our results suggest that tachykinin NK1 receptors are present on human small bronchi and that their stimulation induces a prostanoid-dependent contraction. The small isolated bronchus is an interesting model of human tissue to test NK1 receptor antagonists.