Kinins

Definition

Kinins are proteins in the blood that cause inflammation and affect blood pressure (especially causing blood pressure to go down).

They also:

  • Increase blood flow throughout the body
  • Make it easier for fluids to pass through small blood vessels
  • Stimulate pain receptors
  • Are part of a complex system that helps repair damaged tissue in the body

References

Bean KV, Massey HD, Gupta G. Mediators of inflammation: complement. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 48.

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Inflammation and repair. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.

Taber's Medical Dictionary Online. Kinin. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/741845/0/kinin?q=Kinins. Accessed June 14, 2023.

Review Date: 4/27/2023
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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