Renal kallikrein-kinin system.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Physiology

Background:

• Significant advancements in understanding the renal kallikrein-kinin system have occurred.
• New, more sensitive methods for assessing its activity have been developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current knowledge on the renal kallikrein-kinin system.
• To highlight its role in renal function and disease.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature.
• Analysis of data on kallikrein activity and excretion.

Main Results:

• The renal kallikrein-kinin system is localized in the distal nephron.
• It influences water and electrolyte excretion.
• It interacts with prostaglandin and renin-angiotensin systems.
• Increased kallikrein excretion is observed with antihypertensive drugs.

Conclusions:

• The renal kallikrein-kinin system is integral to intrarenal hormonal control.
• It plays a role in regulating water, electrolyte excretion, and blood pressure.
• It may contribute to the mechanism of action of antihypertensive medications.