title: Kallikrein-kinin system in hepatic experimental models.
abstract: The purpose of this brief review is to describe some characteristics of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) in the liver. The liver synthesizes kininogens and prekallikrein and the synthesis of both proteins is increased in rats during the acute phase reaction. It is also the main organ to clear tissue as well as plasma kallikrein from the circulation in normal and pathological conditions. Bradykinin (BK), yielded by the kallikrein-kinin system, is a potent arterial hypotensive peptide, but in the liver it induces a portal hypertensive response. The portal hypertensive action of bradykinin is mediated by B2 receptors located on sinusoidal cells of the periportal region and is followed by its hydrolysis by angiotensin-converting enzyme, which is primarily present in the perivenous (centrolobular) region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Botucatu 862 (Ed JL Prado), 04023-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. mariak.bioq@epm.br
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kouyoumdjian
authors.forename: Márcia Regina
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Nagaoka
authors.forename: Durval Rosa
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Borges
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001920:Bradykinin / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D016234:Kallikrein-Kinin System / Q000502:physiology*; D007610:Kallikreins / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D007610:Kallikreins; D001920:Bradykinin