A plant Kunitz-type inhibitor mimics bradykinin-induced cytosolic calcium increase and intestinal smooth muscle contraction.

BbKI is a kallikrein inhibitor with a reactive site sequence similar to that of kinins, the vasoactive peptides inserted in kininogen moieties. This structural similarity probably contributes to the strong interaction with plasma kallikrein, the enzyme that releases, from high-molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), the proinflammatory peptide bradykinin, which acts on B-2 receptors (B2R). BbKI was examined on smooth muscle contraction and Ca2+ mobilization, in which the kallikrein-kinin system is involved. Contrary to expectations, BbKI (1.8 mu m) increased [Ca2+](c) and contraction, as observed with BK (2.0 mu m). Not blocked by B-1 receptors (B1R), the BbKI agonistic effect was blocked by the B-2 R antagonist, HOE-140 (6 mu m), and the involvement of B-2 R was confirmed in B2R-knockout mice intestine. The same tissue response was obtained using a synthetic peptide derived from the BbKI reactive site structure, more resistant than BK to angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) hydrolysis. Depending on the concentration, BbKI has a dual effect. At a low concentration, BbKI acts as a potent kallikrein inhibitor; however, due to the similarity to BK, in high concentrations, BbKI greatly increases Ca2+ release from internal storages, as a consequence of its interaction with B2R. Therefore, the antagonistic and agonistic effects of BbKI may be considered in conditions of B2R involvement.