bradykinin

Bradykinin is an endogenous peptide and a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator involved in inflammation, pain, and blood pressure regulation. It acts primarily by binding to the B2 bradykinin receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor constitutively expressed on endothelial cells, leading to increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction (notably in the bronchus and gut), and vasodilation via release of nitric oxide and prostacyclin[1][3][6]. Bradykinin also sensitizes pain receptors (TRPV1) contributing to allodynia. The B1 receptor is induced during tissue injury or inflammation and is implicated in chronic pain states[3]. Bradykinin plays a central role in hereditary angioedema pathophysiology due to its ability to increase vascular permeability; elevated levels can result from ACE inhibitor therapy or C1-inhibitor deficiency[5][7]. While not used therapeutically as a drug itself, synthetic bradykinin has been investigated for research purposes related to hypertension and type 2 diabetes[1].

Other names

L-bradykininbradykinin (synthetic)