This volume presents key topics of current interest with regard to several pathophysiological conditions including (a) the basic and clinical aspects of bradykinin receptor antagonists, (b) the kallikrein-kinin pathways in hypertension and diabetes, (c) tissue kallikrein-kinin therapy for hypertension and organ damage, (d) the renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney and novel potential drugs for salt-sensitive hypertension, (e) the kallikrein-kinin system in diabetes retinopathy and (f) genetic manipulation and genetic variation of the kallikrein-kinin system and their impacts on cardiovascular and renal disease. Written by internationally reputed scientists, the book provides an essential overview of the latest developments in the field of kinin research, making it a valuable asset for endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. Furthermore, it is also intended for postgraduate students in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, physiology and pharmacology and those working at research organizations.

Pharmacology can be defined as a discipline of paramedical sciences that teaches how the use of drugs can bring about changes from pathological states to physiological conditions. Whereas mediator pharmacology is a subdivision pharmacology which teaches the functions of molecules released in the body and produces profound pharmacological effects. Also, their sustained release may results in pathological conditions. The agonists or antagonists of these mediators may offer novel therapeutic agents for clinical benefits. This book provides necessary scientific developments in mediator pharmacology.