Andreas Dendorfer, Sebastian Wolfrum and Peter Dominiak
Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical
University Lubeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Lubeck, Germany
Abstract: Kinins are peptide hormones that can exert a significant
influence on the regulation of blood pressure and vascular tone due to their
vasodilatatory, natriuretic and growth modulating activity. Their cardiovascular
involvement in physiological and pathophysiological situations has been
studied intensively since inhibitors for angiotensin I-converting enzyme
and selective receptor antagonists have become available for pharmacologically
potentiating or inhibiting kinin-mediated reactions. Molecular biological
analysis and the establishment of genetically modified animal models have
also allowed newer information to be acquired on this subject. In this review,
the components and cardiovascularly relevant mechanisms of the kinin-kallikrein
system shall be described. Organ-specific effects concerning the kidneys,
the vascular system, the heart and nervous tissue shall also be illustrated.
On this issue, the physiological functions and pathophysiological implications
of the kinin-kallikrein system should be clearly distinguished from the
many, mostly endothelium-mediated protective effects which occur during
ACE inhibition due to the potentiation of kinin effects. Finally, a view
shall also be cast upon newly discovered targets of action, which could
be exploited for therapeutically altering the kinin-kallikrein system.
Keywords: Kinin-kallikrein system, Bradykinin, Hypertension, Cardioprotection