Neuroprotection of bradykinin/bradykinin B2 receptor system in cerebral ischemia

Abstract

Bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) activated by its endogenous ligand bradykinin participates in various physiological processes including neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, and control of inflammation and blood pressure. Besides these effects, B2R has been demonstrated to protect neurons from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Here, we highlight the mechanisms of BK/B2R-mediated neuroprotective effects in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Moreover, this review article summarizes some of the signaling pathways of B2R in cerebral ischemia, leading to a better understanding of its neuroprotection.

Keywords: Bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R); Cerebral ischemia; G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR); Heterodimerization; Neuroprotection.