Bradykinin Receptors

Bradykinin is a potent vasodilator peptide that exerts its vasodilatory action through stimulation of specific endothelial B₂ receptors, thereby causing the release of prostacyclin, NO, and EDHF.

Bradykinin (BK) has been reported to be involved in the progression of many types of cancer. Two bradykinin receptors, bradykinin B1 receptor (B1R) and bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R), are significantly expressed in all the tested colorectal cancer cells. Repression of B2R, but not B1R, attenuates the BK-mediated invasion and migration, and inhibits ERK1/2 activation and IL-6 production. Moreover, blocking of the ERK pathway decreases the BK-mediated IL-6 production. In addition, IL-6 repression suppresses the effects of BK on colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration.

Bradykinin, the enzymatic product of kallikrein-kinin system (KKS), is a major modulator of Ang II actions on blood volume, vascular reactivity and salt sensitivity.