Kinins are biologically active peptides that exert their effects by activating two seven transmembrane G-protein coupled receptors termed B1 and B2 which have only about 36% of homology. The major kinin peptide under physiological conditions, bradykinin (BK), modulates renal haemodynamics and function. Under physiological conditions most BK effects involve bradykinin B2-receptors. Studies on the intra-cellular transduction pathways, the regulation of the expression and the localisation of these receptors along the nephron, as well as the first studies on transgenic mice models, have allowed to better define the role of these receptors under physiological and pathological conditions. The role of the renal B1-receptor, induced in a variety of pathologies related to inflammation, is poorly understood. Recent investigations on the molecular mechanism of B1-receptor induction and its detailed renal localisation have shown that under inflammatory conditions this kinin receptor might be of importance. B2-receptors are suggested to be involved in part of the renoprotective effects of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitors in insulin-dependent diabetes. However, ACE-inhibitor treatment, resulting also in an increased B1-agonist concentration might result in homologous induction and activation of the B1-receptor.

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