kallikrein

enzyme

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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Kallikrein is a hypotensive protease, meaning it is an enzyme that lowers blood pressure. It is known to liberate kinins from blood plasma proteins. These kinins, such as bradykinin, are powerful vasodilators, substances that widen blood vessels. Kallikrein is secreted by renal tubules and added to the urine, where it plays a role in influencing renal blood flow. The term "kallikrein" originates from Greek words related to the sweetbread or pancreas.123

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renal system
The role of hormones in renal function
…of blood vessels, the enzyme kallikrein, may also exert an influence on renal blood flow. Kallikrein is secreted by renal tubules and is added to the urine in the distal tubules. It activates the conversion of kininogen to bradykinin, which is also a powerful vasodilator. Bradykinin is inactivated by a…
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…of blood vessels, the enzyme kallikrein, may also exert an influence on renal blood flow. Kallikrein is secreted by renal tubules and is added to the urine in the distal tubules. It activates the conversion of kininogen to bradykinin, which is also a powerful vasodilator. Bradykinin is inactivated by a…
Read More