Role of bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors in normal blood pressure regulation.

With inhibition or absence of the bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R), B1R is upregulated and assumes some of the hemodynamic properties of B2R, indicating that both participate in the maintenance of normal vasoregulation or to development of hypertension. Herein we further evaluate the role of bradykinin in normal blood pressure (BP) regulation and its relationship with other vasoactive factors by selectively blocking its receptors. Six groups of Wistar rats were treated for 3 wk: one control group with vehicle alone, one with concurrent administration of B1R antagonist R-954 (70 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) and B2R antagonist HOE-140 (500 microg x kg(-1) x day(-1)), one with R-954 alone, one with HOE 140 alone, one with concurrent administration of both R-954 and HOE-140 plus the angiotensin antagonist losartan (5 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)), and one with only losartan. BP was measured continuously by radiotelemetry. Only combined administration of B1R and B2R antagonists produced a significant BP increase from a baseline of 107-119 mmHg at end point, which could be partly prevented by losartan and was not associated with change in catecholamines, suggesting no involvement of the sympathoadrenal system. The impact of blockade of bradykinin on other vasoregulating systems was assessed by evaluating gene expression of different vasoactive factors. There was upregulation of the eNOS, AT1 receptor, PGE2 receptor, and tissue kallikrein genes in cardiac and renal tissues, more pronounced when both bradykinin receptors were blocked; significant downregulation of AT2 receptor gene in renal tissues only; and no consistent changes in B1R and B2R genes in either tissue. The results indicate that both B1R and B2R contribute to the maintenance of normal BP, but one can compensate for inhibition of the other, and the chronic inhibition of both leads to significant upregulation in the genes of related vasoactive systems.