Previous studies have shown that the epithelial precursors of the connecting tubule and collecting duct express tissue kallikrein and bradykinin B2 receptors, respectively, suggesting the presence of a local kinin-producing/responsive system in the maturing distal nephron. However, evidence for the existence of kininogen in the developing nephron is still lacking. This study examined the spatiotemporal relationships between segmental nephron differentiation and the ontogeny of kininogen and kinins in the rat. Kininogen immunoreactivity is detectable in the metanephros as early as embryonic day 15. In the nephrogenic zone, the terminal ureteric bud branches are the main kinin-expressing segments. Kininogen is also observed in the stromal mesenchyme. In contrast, proximal ureteric bud branches, metanephrogenic mesenchyme, and pretubular aggregates express little or no kininogen. After completion of nephrogenesis, kininogen distribution assumes its classic "adult" pattern in the collecting ducts. Peak kininogen mRNA and protein expression occur perinatally, corresponding to the period of active nephrogenesis in the rat, and declines gradually thereafter. Estimations made by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and radioimmunoassays indicate that renal kininogen mRNA and protein levels are at least 20-fold higher in newborn than adult rats. Likewise, immunoreactive tissue kinin levels are 2.3-fold higher in newborn than adult kidneys (P < 0.05). In summary, the present study demonstrates the activation of kininogen gene expression and kinin production in the developing kidney. The terminal ureteric bud branches and their epithelial derivatives are the principal kinin-producing segments in the maturing nephron. The results suggest an autocrine/paracrine role for the kallikrein-kinin system in distal nephron maturation.