kinin
(ˈkaɪnɪn)
[f. Gr. κιν-εῖν to set in motion + -in1; in sense 1 abstracted from bradykinin (s.v. brady-).]
1. Biochem. Any of a group of polypeptides of low molecular weight which are formed in tissue (from inactive precursors in the blood) in response to injury and have local effects that typically include pain and the dilatation of blood vessels.
| 1954 Schachter & Thain in Brit. Jrnl. Pharmacol. IX. 352/1 Since this substance in wasp venom cannot as yet be identified with any substance hitherto described, it is tentatively designated as wasp (or venom) kinin, or simply as kinin. 1962 New Scientist 4 Oct. 35/2 If the kinins get into the general circulation they are destroyed before they can produce general effects throughout the body. 1963 Listener 7 Nov. 741/2 An important factor in rheumatism may be an accelerated formation and release of certain compounds known as kinins, which are formed from amino-acids. The kinins may cause many of the painful symptoms, such as the swollen joints that are a prominent part of the disease. 1970 Passmore & Robson Compan. Med. Stud. II. xvii. 1/2 In addition to the above kinins, bradykinin homologues..are found in many parts of the animal kingdom, e.g. in wasp and scorpion venoms..and in the plasma of reptiles and birds. |
2. Plant Physiol. = cytokinin.
| 1956 C. O. Miller et al. in Jrnl. Amer. Chem. Soc. LXXVIII. 1375 A substance which markedly promotes cell division in various plant tissue cultures..has been shown..to be 6-furfurylaminopurine. The specific name kinetin has been applied to this substance, and the generic term kinin is suggested for any substance which similarly stimulates cytokinesis. 1965 New Scientist 25 Mar. 788/3 The third and most recently investigated group of plant growth substances is that of the kinins. 1971 F. C. Steward Plant Physiol. VIa. iii. 356 The photoperiodic responses to red light may also involve kinin effects. |