Kinins—II Biochemistry, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Aspects

In this brief historical retrospect of kinin studies, we recall the discovery of bradykinin by Professor M. Rocha e Silva and the pioneer investigations on tissue kallikrein initiated by Dr. E.K. Frey followed by the work of Professor H. Kraut and Professor E. Werle who opened the way for the present flourishing investigations of kinins. The elucidation of the structure of bradykinin by Dr. F. Elliott in 1960 stimulated further research of the vasoative peptides. During the following years, the physiological and pathological significance of kinins was explored regarding their potential importance. Tremendous progress in our understanding of the involvement of the kallikrein-kinin system in many physiological phenomena has been facilitated by the friendly atmosphere among "kininlogists" engendered at previous international kinin symposia.

During that time studies were reported as to the role of kinins in functional vasodilation, alteration of blood pressure and vascular permeability, shock, inflammation, and pain production. Thus, through knowledge from these basic studies, the action of kinins in morbidity is better understood as are the counter measures for many diseases associated with kinin formation. Recent discoveries have focused on abnormally delayed blood coagulation in the hereditary deficiency of high molecular weight kininogen together with prekallikrein deficiency. Thus great strides have been made in elucidating the interrelationships amongst the blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, and vasopeptide kinin systems.

Moreover, apart from the aforementioned role of bradykinin as a pharmacologically active substance, other important findings involving the coordinated actions of prostaglandin and catecholamine biosynthesis, particularly in the inflammatory process, have enhanced our appreciation of the complexity of the vasopeptide kinin system. The participation of more than 330 scientists from 16 countries of the world in this International Symposium on Kinins-Kinin '78 Tokyo reflects accurately the interest and research activity in the diverse and broad implications of the physiological and pathological functions of the kallikrein-kinin system. A total of 128 papers, including posters, were presented, attesting to the unquestioned success of the KININ '78 TOKYO Symposium. This volume in tow sections contains the collective studies presented, studies of high scientific standard that provoked lively discussions. A.son included in this volume are the two plenary lectures presented by Dr. K.

Austen (USA) and Dr. Hamao Umezawa (JAPAN).