Bradykinin

Bradykinin is a peptide that causes blood vessels to dilate (enlarge), and therefore causes blood pressure to lower. A class of drugs called ACE inhibitors, which are used to lower blood pressure, increase bradykinin (by inhibiting its degradation) further lowering blood pressure. Bradykinin works on blood vessels through the release of prostacyclin, nitric oxide, and Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor.