Lack of Interaction between Glucocorticoids and the Kallikrein-Kinin System 1

Abstract

Summary

We found no significant modifying action of acute administration of pharmacological doses (5 × 10^-5-1 × 10^-3 M) of either methylprednisolone, cortisol, or dexamethasone on the kallikrein-kinin system. Thus, there was no modifying effect of these glucocorticoids on (a) bradykinin action, (b) formation, or (c) kininase activity as determined by the rate of inactivation of the kinin response in the bioassay system. A similar lack of response occurred in jejunal strips isolated from control cats or in cats in hemorrhagic shock. These results argue against a direct inhibitory action of the glucocorticoids on the kallikrein-kinin system as the major mechanism of their anti-inflammatory or antishock properties.

We thank Dr. A. Scriabine of the Merck Institute for Therapeutic Research, West Point, PA, for the dexamethasone (Decadron), Dr. S. S. Stubbs of the Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Ml, for the supply of methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), Dr. G. Haberland of Bayer A G, Wuppertal, Germany, for the supply of kallikrein, and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Hanover, NJ, for the supply of bradykinin.