Bradykinin

Bradykinin is an endogenous bradykinin receptor agonist with selectivity for B₂ over B₁ receptors.

Bradykinin interacts with its GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors) to induce changes in intracellular calcium via a variety of mechanisms (PLC, prostaglandins, protein kinases and PLA₂). Addition of bradykinin to NG 108-15 neural cells causes a transient hyperpolarization followed by prolonged cell depolarization.

Recently Bradykinin has also been shown to neuron-generating division of neural progenitor cells through ERK activation

The peptide is involved in a variety of physiological and pathopysiological activities. It is a pro-inflammatory mediator and a potent vasodilator which exerts its vasodilatory actions by inducing endothelial release of NO (nitric oxide), prostacyclin and EDHF.

It is involved in cardiovascular homeostasis, inflammation and nociception. It also shows anti-proliferative and anti – fibrogenic effects.