Bradykinin is a physiologically and pharmacologically active peptide of the kinin group of proteins, consisting of nine amino acids.

Structure

The amino acid sequence of bradykinin is: arg - pro - pro - gly - phe - ser - pro - phe - arg. Its empirical formula is therefore CH₇₃N₁₅O₁₁.

Synthesis

The activity of the kinin-kallikrein system makes bradykinin by proteolytic cleavage of its kininogen precursor, high-molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), using the kininogenase enzyme.

Physiological role

Effects

Bradykinin is a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator, causes contraction of non-vascular smooth muscle, increases vascular permeability and also is involved in the mechanism of pain. In some aspects, it has similar actions to that of histamine.

Receptors

In mammals, two types of bradykinin receptors are known. The B₁ receptor is only expressed as a result of tissue injury, and is presumed to play a role in chronic pain. The B₂ receptor is constitutively active and participates in bradykinin's vasodilatory role.

History

Bradykinin was discovered by three Brazilian physiologists and pharmacologists working at the Instituto de Biologia de São Paulo , in São Paulo city, led by Dr. Maurício Rocha e Silva. Together with colleagues Wilson Teixeira Beraldo? and Gastão Rosenfeld? they discovered in 1948 its powerful hypotensive effects in animal preparations. Bradykinin was detected in the blood plasma of animals after the addition of venom of Bothrops jararaca (Brazilian lancehead snake), which was brought by Rosenfeld from the Butantan Institute. This discovery was part of a continuing study on circulatory shock and proteolytic enzymes related to the toxicology of snake bites, started by Rocha e Silva as early as 1939. Bradykinin was to be proved a new autopharmacological principle, i.e., a substance that is released in the body by a metabolic modification from precursors, which are pharmacologically active. According to B.J. Hagwood, Rocha e Silva's biographer, "The discovery of bradykinin has led to a new understanding of many physiological and pathological phenomena including circulatory shock induced by venoms and toxins."

Applications

The practical importance of the discovery of bradykinin became apparent when one of his collaborators at the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Dr. Sérgio Henrique Ferreira, discovered a bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) in the bothropic venom which increases powerfully both the duration and magnitude of its effects on vasodilation and the consequent fall in blood pressure. On the basis of this finding, Squibb scientists developed the first of a new generation of highly-effective anti-hypertensive drugs, the so-called ACE inhibitors, such as captopril (trademarked Capoten), which have been saving many lives since