A chemical messenger in the body that causes blood vessels to dilate and increases pain sensitivity, released during inflammation and allergic reactions.
From Greek 'brady' (slow) + 'kinein' (to move). Named for its slow-acting effects; discovered in the 1940s as scientists studied inflammation.
Bradykinin is why bee stings and paper cuts hurt so much—it's a chemical that makes your pain receptors extra sensitive, which is why inflamed areas become tender!
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