Bradykinin Receptor

Bradykinin receptors are cell surface, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family members. There are two subtypes of bradykinin receptors, B1 and B2. Bradykinin receptor-mediated signal transductions play a significant role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis, regulating pain and inflammation. Both receptors transduce extracellular signals through the activation of G-proteins.

Bradykinin B1 receptor is expressed at a very low level in healthy tissues, but is induced under stressful conditions such as shock or inflammation, whereas the bradykinin B2 receptor is ubiquitous and is constitutively expressed. Bradykinin B2 receptor is involved in vasodilation, osmoregulation, smooth muscle contraction, and nociceptor activation. Bradykinin B1 receptor and Bradykinin B2 receptor have emerged as therapeutic targets as they are implicated in inflammatory disease, vasculopathy, neuropathy, obesity, diabetes, and cancer. B1R and B2R can hold dichotomous roles in diseases. Agonists and antagonists have been evaluated as therapeutics.