[Prostaglandin and kallikrein-kinin systems]

We reviewed the recent advances in the molecular characterization of prostanoid and bradykinin receptors. Prostanoids and bradykinin exert versatile actions in diverse tissues and cells through specific cell surface receptors. Molecular biological studies revealed the primary structure of eight types and subtypes of prostanoid receptors from various species. These include the thromboxane A2 receptor, prostacyclin receptor, prostaglandin (PG) F receptor, PGD receptor and four subtypes of PGE receptor (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4). There are four subtypes of bradykinin receptor (BK1, BK2, BK3 and BK4), but it is still unknown about the detail of BK3 and BK4. These results also have achieved the remarkable development in the field of human hypertension.