Bradykinin receptor

Bradykinin receptor is a type of G protein-coupled receptor that is primarily responsible for the mediation of the effects of the peptide bradykinin. There are two main types of bradykinin receptors, known as B1 and B2, which have different functions and are activated by different stimuli.

B1 receptor

The B1 receptor is a type of bradykinin receptor that is not usually expressed in healthy tissues, but can be induced in response to inflammation, trauma, or other pathological conditions. It is activated by des-Arg9-bradykinin, a metabolite of bradykinin, and its activation leads to the release of pro-inflammatory mediators.

B2 receptor

The B2 receptor is the primary receptor for bradykinin and is constitutively expressed in many tissues. It is involved in a variety of physiological processes, including vasodilation, pain perception, and inflammation. The B2 receptor is activated by bradykinin and its activation leads to the release of nitric oxide and prostaglandins, which have vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Role in disease

Bradykinin receptors have been implicated in a number of diseases, including hypertension, asthma, and pain disorders. In particular, overactivation of the B2 receptor has been associated with the development of angioedema, a condition characterized by swelling of the skin and mucous membranes.

Pharmacology

Several drugs have been developed to target bradykinin receptors, either as agonists to stimulate their activity, or as antagonists to inhibit it. These include icatibant, a B2 receptor antagonist used to treat hereditary angioedema, and ramipril, an ACE inhibitor that indirectly affects bradykinin receptor activity by preventing the breakdown of bradykinin.

See also

• Bradykinin
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Angioedema
• Hypertension
• Asthma

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