Kinins
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Definition
Kinins are proteins in the blood that cause inflammation and affect blood pressure (especially low blood pressure).
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
Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Inflammation and repair. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 3.
Massey HD, McPherson RA, Huber SA, Jenny NS. Mediators of inflammation: complement. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 47.
Taber's Medical Dictionary Online. Kinin. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/741845/0/kinin?q=Kinins. Accessed June 16, 2019.
Review Date:
5/13/2019
Reviewed By:
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.