Regulation of Uterine Smooth Muscle Bradykinin Receptors by Bradykinin Levels and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor in the Rat

Bradykinin infusion (0.1 microgram/min i.v.) decreased the number of uterine bradykinin receptors by 20% at Day 2. Bradykinin receptors returned to control levels at Day 7. 2. Captopril infusion (1.7 micrograms/min i.v.) induced prolonged decreases in the number of uterine bradykinin receptors of 15% at Day 2 and of 13% at Day 7, respectively. 3. The number of uterine bradykinin receptors was increased in two-kidney, one clip hypertensive rats by 19%. 4. These results suggest that endogenous bradykinin participates in the regulation of uterine bradykinin receptors. 5. Decreased uterine bradykinin receptors induced by captopril might reflect increased endogenous bradykinin.