Bradykinin

Bradykinin (BK) (from Greek brady- 'slow' + -kinin, kīn(eîn) 'to move') is a peptide that promotes inflammation. It causes arterioles to dilate (enlarge) via the release of prostacyclin, nitric oxide, and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and induces smooth muscle constraction via prostaglandin F2. Bradykinin consists of nine amino acids, and is a physiologically and pharmacologically active peptide of the kinin group of proteins.

A class of drugs called angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) increase bradykinin levels by inhibiting its degradation, thereby increasing its blood pressure-lowering effect. ACE inhibitors are used to treat hypertension and heart failure.