Release of Vasoactive Substances by Kinins

Abstract

It has been suggested that kinins participate in a wide range of physiologic and pathologic processes by direct and indirect mechanisms that involve the release of other vasoactive substances. The potential of kinins to activate the prostaglandin synthesizing system in the kidney (Terragno et al., 1972), pregnant uterus (Terragno et al., 1974), and vasculature (Terragno et al., 1975; Messina et al., 1975) deserves special attention. This activation of synthesis results in the release of prostaglandins which contribute to the amplification or attenuation of the action of kinins. Thus, mediation of some of the biologic effects of kinins by prostaglandins seems likely. The recognition of a possible contribution of kinins to blood pressure regulation has recently received a great deal of attention (Adetuyibi and Mills, 1972; Marin-Grez et al., 1972; Margolius et al., 1971). Kinins are also able to release other tissue hormones, such as histamine, serotonin, catecholamines from the adrenal gland, and antidiuretic hormone from the posterior pituitary. Thereby, they contribute to a number of clinical manifestations of functional disorders.KeywordsArachidonic AcidAdrenal MedullaProstaglandin SynthesisCarcinoid SyndromeVasoactive SubstanceThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.