Description
Bradykinin (BK) is a pro-inflammatory polypeptide that can cause pain, inflammation, increased vascular permeability, vasodilation, contraction of various smooth muscles, and cell proliferation by stimulating B1and B2 receptors. B2 receptors are most commonly distributed in the vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle and in the heart. The B2 receptor mediates the action of bradykinin (BK) and lysyl-bradykinin (Lys-BK). The stimulation of BK B2 receptors is not only implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation, pain, and tissue injury but also in cardioprotective mechanisms. So B2 receptor agonists may have important clinical value in the treatment and prevention of various cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular remodeling, congestive heart failure, and diabetic disorders.