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Kinin refers to polypeptide hormones that are produced locally within tissues. These substances play a role in physiological processes by causing blood vessels to dilate and smooth muscles to contract.1

A notable example is bradykinin, a specific type of kinin. Bradykinin is formed in injured tissues and contributes to vasodilation in small arterioles. It is also believed to be involved in inflammatory responses and is composed of a chain of nine amino acid residues.2

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. kinin
  2. bradykinin

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