Kallikrein-kinin system

The kallikrein-kinin system is a chain of interactions in the body that helps regulate blood flow, blood pressure, inflammation, and pain. When activated, enzymes called kallikreins produce a molecule called bradykinin, which relaxes blood vessels, making them wider and reducing blood pressure. Bradykinin also increases the sensitivity of nerve endings, causing pain and inflammation. This system plays a key role in responding to injuries or infections, but overactivation can contribute to conditions like swelling or migraines. It’s an important part of how the body controls blood vessel tone and inflammatory responses.