Effect of anti-proteases and hexadimethrine bromide on the release of a bradykinin-like substance during heating (46 degrees C) of rat paws.

1. The conditions in which the release of an active, bradykinin-like agent occurred when rat paws were heated to 46 degrees C were studied by means of the double coaxial perfusion of the subcutaneous spaces.2. The active material thus released stimulated the isolated rat uterus, produced a relaxing effect on the isolated rat duodenum, was destroyed by incubation with chymotrypsin and was potentiated by bradykinin-potentiating factor. LSD-25, in doses sufficient completely to block 5-hydroxytryptamine, did not affect the responses of the isolated uterus to the active material.3. The effects on this release of anti-proteases and hexadimethrine bromide, atropine and diphenhydramine were studied.4. Soy-bean trypsin inhibitor and hexadimethrine bromide added to the perfusion fluid produced a potent and reversible inhibition of the release of the active material; aprotinin and Kunitz inhibitor caused a temporary block.5. When administered intravenously, much larger doses of the substances were necessary to produce a similar block.6. Pretreatment of the animals with atropine plus diphenhydramine did not affect the release of the active kinin(s).7. Ligature of one iliac artery was followed by disappearance of the active material in the perfusate from the corresponding paw.8. These facts suggest that heating elicits a process leading to plasma extravasation and that the subcutaneous tissue is the chief site of release of the active material.