Grant: Operating Grant

Bradykinin is a blood-derived peptide hormone that has beneficial effect of the circulation (vasodilation, prevention of various complication from heart attacks, diabetes etc.). On the other hand, bradykinin in high amount is inflammatory (produces tissue edema). We are developping and studying various types of bradykinin analogs to stimulate selectively the desirable effects of this hormone on a vascular cell type called endothelial cells and to minimize the side effects. These analogs emcompass various types of chemistries, including recombinant proteins, and some may recruit only a fraction of the signaling pathways of bradykinin receptors. The best drug candidates will be tested in anesthetized rats.