Polypeptides Flashcards
What are autacoids?
Autacoids are biological factors that act like local hormones, including peptides and other molecules that modulate physiological functions.
Examples of autacoids include renin, angiotensin, kinins, vasopressin, natriuretic peptides, endothelins, and various neuropeptides.
What are kinins?
Kinins are potent vasodilator peptides formed by the action of enzymes called kallikreins on precursors known as kininogens.
Kinins play significant roles in blood pressure regulation and inflammation.
What are the two forms of kininogens found in plasma?
The two forms of kininogens found in plasma are:
* Low Molecular Weight (LMW) kininogens (80-85%)
* High Molecular Weight (HMW) kininogens (15-20%)
What is the predominant kinin in plasma?
Bradykinin is the predominant kinin found in plasma.
Lysylbradykinin is the major urinary form of kinin.
What are the primary actions of kinins?
The primary actions of kinins include:
* Marked vasodilation in vascular beds
* Vasoconstriction on veins
* Contraction of visceral smooth muscle
* Transient decrease in blood pressure
* Increased capillary permeability and tissue edema
* Role in inflammation and pain production
Which receptors do kinins primarily act on?
Kinins primarily act on B1 and B2 receptors.
Bradykinin has the highest affinity for B2 receptors.
How are kinins metabolized?
Kinins are rapidly metabolized by kininases with half-lives of approximately 15 seconds.
Kininase I is synthesized in the liver, while Kininase II is found in plasma and vascular endothelial cells.
What is the role of vasopressin (ADH)?
Vasopressin plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure by reabsorbing water in the kidneys and has vasoconstrictor action at low doses.
It is particularly important in conditions like cardiac disease and orthostatic hypotension.
What are the three types of natriuretic peptides?
The three types of natriuretic peptides are:
* Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)
* Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)
* C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP)
What is the effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)?
ANP increases sodium excretion, urine flow, inhibits secretion of renin, aldosterone, and vasopressin, and decreases arterial blood pressure via vasodilation.
ANP is synthesized primarily in atrial cells.
What are the actions of endothelins?
Endothelins are potent vasoconstrictors that cause dose-dependent vasoconstriction, increase blood pressure, and have various effects on the endocrine system and CNS.
They include ET1, ET2, and ET3, which are distributed widely in the body.
What is the mechanism of action for natriuretic peptides?
Natriuretic peptides act via surface receptors ANPa, ANPb, and ANPc, leading to various physiological effects.
They are metabolized in the lungs, kidneys, and liver by neutral endopeptidases.
True or False: Kallikreins are found only in plasma.
False
Kallikreins are found in plasma and several tissues including kidneys, pancreas, and intestines.
Fill in the blank: Bradykinin is ______ times as potent as histamine.
10
What drug inhibits kinin synthesis by inhibiting kallikrein?
Aprotinin.