Histamine and bradykinin

    Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts
                                    Richard E. Klabunde, Ph.D.

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Topics:

Arrhythmias

Cardiac Valve Disease

Coronary Artery Disease

Edema

Heart Failure

Hypertension

Peripheral Artery Disease

Click here for information on Cardiovascular Physiology Concepts, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (200 5)

Histamine and Bradykinin

Histamine does not normally play a significant role in regulating blood flow and microvascular function. However, during tissue injury, inflammation and allergic responses, mast cells within the tissue can release large amounts of histamine that can have pronounced vascular effects. Histamine, operating through H₁and H₂ receptors, causes arteriolar vasodilation, venous constriction in some vascular beds, and increased capillary permeability. These effects increase local blood flow and cause tissue edema.

The actions of bradykinin are similar to histamine. Bradykinin is a potent stimulator of nitric oxide formation by vascular endothelium. It also stimulates prostacyclin formation.

RK Revised 04/06/2007

DISCLAIMER: These materials are for educational purposes only, and are not a source of medical decision-making advice.