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Kinins

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. Acute and chronic inflammation. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2009:chap 2.

Updated: 4/30/2011

Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.


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