Kinin System Activation in Vasculitis
The kinin system is activated when high-molecular-weight kininogen (HK) is cleaved by plasma kallikrein thus generating bradykinin. Bradykinin is a potent proinflammatory peptide that induces plasma leakage, blood pressure drop, liberation of inflammatory cytokines and pain. Vasculitis is an autoimmune systemic inflammatory disease, characterized by leukocyte inflammation in and around vessel wall