kallikrein-kinin system

kallikrein-kinin system

[kalik′rē·in-]

a proposed hormonal system that functions within the kidney, with the enzyme kallikrein in the renal cortex mediating production of bradykinin, which acts as a vasodilator peptide. Kallikrein is present in blood plasma, urine, and tissues in an inactive state. Also spelled kallikren-kinin system.

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kallikrein

(kal´ikrē´in),
n a group of enzymes (plasma, tissue, pancreatic, urinary, submandibular kallikrein) that can convert kininogen to bradykinin or kallidin; trypsin and plasmin can also affect the conversion.

kallikrein-kinin system,

n a proposed hormonal system that functions within the kidney, with the en-zyme kallikrein in the re-nal cortex mediating production of bradykinin, which acts as a vasodilator peptide.

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kallikrein

any of a group of proteolytic enzymes present in various glands, lymph, urine, blood plasma, etc., or produced directly from mast cells or basophils, or indirectly from activated platelets. The major action of kallikreins is the liberation of kinins from α-2-globulins (kininogens), and they hence have vasodilator and whealing actions.

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kallikrein-kinin system

the enzyme system responsible for capillary permeability and smooth muscle contraction.