Neurotensin is a 13 amino acid neuropeptide that is implicated in the regulation of luteinizing hormone and prolactin release and has significant interaction with the dopaminergic system.

Neurotensin induces the expression of inflammatory markers (MIP-2, MCP-1, IL-1β, TNFα) in murine microglial cells and promotes IL-8 secretion in colon epithelial cells harboring the NTR, a high-affinity receptor belonging to the GPCR family, prevalent in many pancreatic and colorectal cancers. This suggests Neurotensin's potential endocrine role in tumor growth. Acting through NTR1, it activates several signal transduction pathways, including intracellular calcium levels, MAPKs (ERK, JNK), and PKC isoforms. In HCT116 cancer cells, Neurotensin dramatically enhances migration approximately threefold, an effect inhibited by Curcumin pretreatment. Additionally, Neurotensin's activation of the MEK/ERK pathway and subsequent upregulation of AP-1 transcription factors underscore its contribution to cell proliferation.