nounIntermediate
Definition
9-amino-acid vasoactive peptide (Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Ser-Pro-Phe-Arg) that dilates blood vessels, increases vascular permeability, and mediates pain and inflammation.

Detailed Explanation

Bradykinin is generated by the kallikrein-kinin system when the enzyme kallikrein cleaves the precursor kininogen. It acts through B1 and B2 receptors: B2 is constitutively expressed and mediates most acute effects, while B1 is induced during inflammation. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) degrades bradykinin — which is why ACE inhibitor drugs can cause cough and angioedema as side effects: they allow bradykinin to accumulate in the airways.

Key Facts

  • Bradykinin is generated by the kallikrein-kinin system when the enzyme kallikrein cleaves the precursor kininogen
  • It acts through B1 and B2 receptors: B2 is constitutively expressed and mediates most acute effects, while B1 is induced during inflammation
  • ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) degrades bradykinin — which is why ACE inhibitor drugs can cause cough and angioedema as side effects: they allow bradykinin to accumulate in the airways
Related Terms Angiotensin Substance P Neuropeptide Endothelin

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