How Do Ace Inhibitors Affect Bradykinin

ACE also breaks down bradykinin (a vasodilator substance). Therefore, ACE inhibitors, by blocking the breakdown of bradykinin, increase bradykinin levels, which can contribute to the vasodilator action of ACE inhibitors.

Why do ACE inhibitors cause cough bradykinin?

The means by which ACE inhibitors affect the respiratory system is thought to be through an increase of substance P, which is released from the vagal and glossopharyngeal sensory nerves in the pharynx and upper airways, and is naturally degraded by ACE [7,47]. In this case, this will increase the cough reflex.

How do you inhibit bradykinin?

ACE, which plays a role in degradation of bradykinin, can be inhibited by ACEIs. Production of bradykinin can be inhibited by ecallantide, which acts on kallikrein, or by C1-INH, which acts to inhibit formation of kallikrein and HMW kininogen. Activation of the bradykinin β2 receptor is inhibited by icatibant.