Bradykinin Receptor

The peptide kinins, of which the best known member is bradykinin, have long been established as important inflammatory mediators. Bradykinin receptors are cell surface, G-protein coupled receptors of the seven-transmembrane domained family. The existence of two subtypes of bradykinin receptor, B 1 and B2. Kinins are synthesised de novo at sites of tissue damage, both peripherally and in the CNS, where they participate in the acute inflammatory response in the microvasculature and aid in tissue repair and healing. In addition, kinins have effects apparently unrelated to their roles as inflammatory mediators, including a possible role in the control of blood pressure. The majority of the actions of kinins are mediated via an interaction with cell surface bradykinin receptors. 
Bradykinin receptors mediate the majority of the diverse documented biological actions of kinins, and many of the biological roles attributed to endogenous kinins. These include: contraction or relaxation of smooth muscle tone of the intestinal, urogenital and respiratory tracts, effects on epithelial ion transport, the circulation and blood presure, a putative transmitter role in the central nervous system and a modulatory role in control of cell function and mitogenesis. There is now a substantial body of evidence supporting a role for kinins in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory diseases, including pancreatitis, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, urinary tract disorders, upper and lower respiratory tract disorders including rhinitis and asthma, and in the pain and hyperalgesia that accompany inflammatory insult.

References

1.Hall JM,et al. Gen Pharmacol. 1997 Jan;28(1):1-6