Formation of Human Plasma Kinin

THE plasma proteolytic enzyme system, which is responsible for the release of bradykinin, the most potent mammalian vasodilator, is but one of four interlocking networks that help to mediate the vascular responses necessary for hemostasis, inflammation and, ultimately, repair. The workings of these enzymes illustrate the various control mechanisms possible in proteolysis, including activation of inactive precursors, positive feedback, stoichiometric inhibition, multistep amplification, and enzymatic degradation of active products. Moreover, clinical disorders, both hereditary and acquired, involving the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and hematologic systems may be caused or modified by functional changes in the extent or capacity to form kinins in . . .