The bradykinin type 2 receptor BE1 polymorphism and ethnicity influence systolic blood pressure and vascular resistance

We examined the effect of -58 C/T and BE1 +9/-9 polymorphisms in the bradykinin B₂ receptor gene on forearm vascular resistance (FVR) before and during intrabrachial artery infusion of the B₂ receptor-, endothelium-dependent agonist bradykinin and the endothelium-independent agonist sodium nitroprusside in 228 normotensive subjects. In 166 white Americans, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure were highest in the BE1 +9/+9 group (118±2 and 51±2 mm Hg, respectively; P<0.05 versus -9/-9 for either), intermediate in the +9/-9 group (114±1 and 49±1 mm Hg, P<0.05 versus -9/-9 for pulse pressure), and lowest in the -9/-9 group (110±2 and 44±2 mm Hg). In 62 black Americans, FVR was 25% higher in the BE1 +9/+9 group compared with the BE1 +9/-9 and -9/-9 groups at baseline (P=0.038) or during bradykinin (P=0.03). Increased SBP or vascular resistance may contribute to increased left ventricular mass reported previously in individuals with the BE1+9/+9 genotype.