Is the expression of kinin B-1 receptor related to intrahepatic vascular response?

Abstract

Bradykinin elicits an intrahepatic vascular response (IHVR) mediated by the constitutive B-2 receptor (B2R). the biological effects of kinins may also be mediated by the inducible B-1 receptor (B1R). Aim To verify if the hepatic B1R expression modulates IHVR to kinins. Method: We evaluated the ability of bradykinin and B1R agonists to elicit an IHVR in normal rats and in those submitted to acute or chronic inflammatory stimuli, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatic regeneration. Results: Bradykinin-induced IHVR was similar in all groups. B1R agonists did not elicit in any of them either a hypertensive or a hypotensive response. B, receptor induction was observed in all experimental groups (Western blot), except for the acute inflammatory group. Conclusion: B1R hepatic expression did not modulate IHVR to kinins. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.