Kinin B(1) receptors and the cardiovascular system: regulation of expression and function

Kinins are important peptide mediators of a diverse range of physiological and pathological functions of the cardiovascular system. The kinin peptides exert their effects by selective activation of two distinct G-protein coupled receptors termed B(1) and B(2). The principal kinin peptides involved in the acute regulation of cardiovascular function during normal physiology are bradykinin (BK) and Lys-BK which produce their effects via activation of B(2) receptors. The B(1) receptor is activated by the des-Arg(9)kinin metabolites namely des-Arg(9)BK and Lys-des-Arg(9)BK, the synthesis of which are increased during inflammation. The B(1) receptor, which is not constitutively expressed, is induced in various pathologies relating to inflammation. Recent investigations into the molecular mechanisms of B(1) receptor induction and their distribution and function in the cardiovascular system have shown that following an inflammatory stimulus the B(1) receptor is induced and may play an important role in modulation of cardiovascular function. This review summarises recent studies on B(1) receptor expression and function in the cardiovascular system and discusses the role of these receptors in regulation of circulatory homeostasis and their potential as therapeutic targets.