The Kinin System

Bradykinin is a type of plasma hormone that causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in a drop in blood pressure, the contraction of muscles in the lungs, intestines, and uterus, and pain. The Kinin System reviews the molecular biology of the kinins through their roles in a complex array of inflammatory conditions such as asthma, GI disease, cardiovascular complaints and examines the future therapeutic opportunities. From the prepublication reviews:"A delicious masterpiece."--Chef's DigestThe Kinin System is a comprehensive, timely book covering all aspects of the kinin system from its disocvery to the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and molecular biology of the mechanisms regulating kinin production to kinin receptors in health and disease. The authors take a refreshingly different view of the kinin system than previous books on the subject. Several chapters contain new information on the gene expression, regulation, and cell surface presentation of kininogens and kallikreins, as well as new data, some of it from human studies, on the role of kinins in pain angiogenesis, tissue repair, sepsis, arthritis, asthma, allergic rhinits, myocardial ischemia, and other diseases. * * Offers new information on kinin reception, regulation of gene expression of receptors, and kinin-generating proteins.* Provides a distinctly immunopharmacological approach to the kinin system.* Reviews of the role of kinins in disease and inlcudes data from human studies.* Includes information that is fully up-to-date and comprehensive.

The physiological and pathological significance of the kallikrein-kinin system was recently explored extensively, resulting in a rapid accumulation of information regarding their potential importance. This publication provides an integrated picture of the latest information on the kallikrein kinin system. It contains contributions from morphologists, geneticists, biochemists, pharmacologists, physiologists, and clinicians. The Fifth International Kinin Congress (Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 1987) provided a forum for the exchange of information and ideas on the kallikrein-kinin system. The participation of more than 350 scientists from 23 countries reflects the widespread interest and international scope of research activity in the physiological and pathological functions of the kallikrein-kinin system. A total of 275 papers including posters were presented, attesting to the unquestioned success of this Congress. These proceedings, in two volumes, contain the collective studies presented, studies of high scientific standard that provoked stimulating and fruitful discussions. Also included in these volumes are the two plenary lectures presented by Dr. H.A. Margolius (USA) and Dr. S. Nakanishi (Japan). During the last decade our knowledge of the role of the kallikrein kinin system in health and disease has been greatly advanced by the develop ment of antagonists to bradykinin and the introduction to clinical practice of converting enzyme inhibitors. Symposia on converting enzyme and on recent advances in research on the kallikrein-kinin system are included in the proceedings.

This volume presents key topics of current interest with regard to several pathophysiological conditions including (a) the basic and clinical aspects of bradykinin receptor antagonists, (b) the kallikrein-kinin pathways in hypertension and diabetes, (c) tissue kallikrein-kinin therapy for hypertension and organ damage, (d) the renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney and novel potential drugs for salt-sensitive hypertension, (e) the kallikrein-kinin system in diabetes retinopathy, and (f) genetic manipulation and genetic variation of the kallikrein-kinin system and their impacts on cardiovascular and renal disease. Written by internationally reputed scientists, the book provides an essential overview of the latest developments in the field of kinin research, making it a valuable asset for endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. Furthermore, it is also intended for postgraduate students in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, physiology and pharmacology, and those working at research organizations.

The physiological and pathological significance of the kallikrein-kinin system was recently explored extensively, resulting in a rapid accumulation of information regarding their potential importance. This publication provides an integrated picture of the latest information on the kallikrein kinin system. It contains contributions from morphologists, geneticists, biochemists, pharmacologists, physiologists, and clinicians. The Fifth International Kinin Congress (Nov. 29-Dec. 3, 1987) provided a forum for the exchange of information and ideas on the kallikrein-kinin system. The participation of more than 350 scientists from 23 countries reflects the widespread interest and international scope of research activity in the physiological and pathological functions of the kallikrein-kinin system. A total of 275 papers including posters were presented, attesting to the unquestioned success of this Congress. These proceedings, in two volumes, contain the collective studies presented, studies of high scientific standard that provoked stimulating and fruitful discussions. Also included in these volumes are the two plenary lectures presented by Dr. H.A. Margolius (USA) and Dr. S. Nakanishi (Japan). During the last decade our knowledge of the role of the kallikrein kinin system in health and disease has been greatly advanced by the develop ment of antagonists to bradykinin and the introduction to clinical practice of converting enzyme inhibitors. Symposia on converting enzyme and on recent advances in research on the kallikrein-kinin system are included in the proceedings.

Volume XXV of the Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology series entitled "Bradykinin, Kallidin, and Kallikrein" was published in 1970. My aim in editing this volume of the series is not to replace, but to update the 1970 edition. During the decade preceding the publication of Vol. XXV, the existence of kinins and kallikreins gained acceptance, the protein components of the system were purified and characterized and the peptides were synthesized. Even after these accomplish ments, interest in the subject has not abated, but has increased substantially. We have learned a great deal about the role that components of the kallikrein-kinin system play in other systems and about the immensely complex and intricate inter actions in blood. Directly or indirectly, kallikrein and kinins affect the coagulation of blood, the activation of complement, and the generation of angiotensin. Kinins release or modulate the actions of other agents, including prostaglandins, histamine, and catecholamines. Inhibitors of kallikrein or kininase II are employed, for example, in extracorporeal circulation or in hypertension. Kallikrein, kinins, and kininases, present in urine, were described first in 1925 and 1954, but have been ignored for decades. These substances are now studied extensively because of their possible role in blood pressure regulation. The evidence that kinins have a metabolic function is also increasing. The abundance of active components of the system in genital organs suggests a role in the fertilization process. The book is organized into chapters which bear upon these issues.

The prevalence of allergic diseases has increased dramatically over recent decades, both in terms of the number of sufferers and the number of allergies. This is a trend that has frequently been referred to as 'the epidemic of the 21st century'. As described in ancient texts, allergies have been known for over 2,000 years, but the term 'allergy' was only coined at the beginning of the 20th century when doctors began to understand their pathophysiological basis. This book presents a detailed and varied historical overview of the field of allergology. Beginning with insights on allergy from antiquity to the 20th century and the development of the associated terminology, it compiles historical reflections on the understanding of the most common allergic diseases. Important milestones in the discovery of mechanisms of allergy are described, followed by historical accounts of the detection of allergens such as pollen, dust mites, peanuts and latex, and of environmental influences such as pollution and the relationship between farmers and their environment. Several chapters illustrate the progress made in allergy management to date. Particular highlights of this book are the personal reflections of and interviews with a number of pioneers of allergy, including F. Austen, J. Bienenstock, K. Blaser, A. de Weck, A.W. Frankland, K. Ishizaka, and many more. Concluding with portrayals of allergy societies and collections, as well as being supplemented by two films, this book represents a veritable treasure trove of fascinating and richly illustrated information. Not only researchers, physicians and medical historians, but also students and even non-scientists will find History of Allergy a scientific adventure well worth reading.

The tradition of meeting together periodically at Fiesole, in Florence, by now dear to those interested in the problems of Kinins, was respected once again. This year the Symposium "Kinin 1975" was held on the 15th - 17th of July. Participation at the Symposium drew attention to the fact that 1975 was a particularly difficult year due to the delicate international economic situation as well as the time restrictions for organizing the Symposium as a satellite conference to the Sixth International Congress of Pharmacology held in Helsinki, Finland. Despite these difficulties, the "Kinin 175" Symposium was an unquestioned success, due, in great part, to the more than 40 contributors who presented their most current studies at the customary high scientific standard, presentations that provoked and stimulated considerable discussion and debate. While our family tree now includes new and active members, the presence of many members of our "Kinin" society unable to attend was missed. In particular, we mourne the death of Professor E. Werle, one of the most outstanding pioneers in the field of the kallikrein-kinin system. His friendship, participation and counsel was, and will continue to be, sorely missed by his many colleagues and students who are indebted to him for his voluminous and scientifically expert contributions continued until the very end of his most full and productive life. As in the past, the atmosphere of friendship and relaxation of the Symposium enhanced the very useful communication and exchange of ideas and information amongst the participants.