Definition

Kinins are proteins in the blood that cause inflammation and affect blood pressure (especially causing blood pressure to go down).

They also:

• Increase blood flow throughout the body
• Make it easier for fluids to pass through small blood vessels
• Stimulate pain receptors
• Are part of a complex system that helps repair damaged tissue in the body

References

Bean KV, Massey HD, Gupta G. Mediators of inflammation: complement. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 48.

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. Inflammation and repair. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 3.

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company; 2021. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/741845/0/kinin?q=Kinins. Accessed April 1, 2025.