[Bradykinin and asthma]

Bradykinin and related kinins formed in tissues and fluids during inflammation, exert many physiological effects mediated by two receptor subtypes: B1 and B2. The involvement of kinins in bronchial asthma has been speculated in numerous clinicals reports. The effects of bradykinin on airways have been studied in vivo and in vitro in animals and humans, but its mode of action remains uncertain. The recent availability of selective B2 antagonists could be of help in defining more precisely kinins in the various aspects of asthma.