Bradykinin-Related Peptides From Frog Skin

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Abstract

This chapter focuses on the bradykinin (BK)-related peptides found in frog skin. The pathways of biosynthesis of BK-related peptides in frog skin are quite different from those in the blood and tissues of mammals. The kallikrein-kinin system of BK-related peptides synthesis in mammals involves the sequential action of several well characterized proteolytic enzymes. Alternative splicing of the primary transcript of the kininogen gene gives rise to a second mRNA that directs the synthesis of low-molecular mass kininogen. This protein is a substrate for glandular or tissue kallikrein, a serine-protease that is localized predominantly in the kidney, pancreas, and pituitary. Release of large amounts of BK, or a related peptide, into the lumen of the stomach of a predator will stimulate gastric and esophageal motility that may lead to activation of the vomiting reflex and ejection of the prey unharmed. The frog skin BK-related peptides show a wide range of potencies in eliciting contractile or relaxant responses in mammalian smooth muscle preparations, and peptides derived from probradykinins with weak antagonistic and BK-potentiating activities have also been identified.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHandbook of Biologically Active Peptides
PublisherElsevier Inc.
Pages291-294
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9780123694423
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 2006

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