Kallistatin is a potent new vasodilator

Kallistatin is a serine proteinase inhibitor which binds to tissue kallikrein and inhibits its activity. The aim of this study is to evaluate if kallistatin has a direct effect on the vasculature and on blood pressure homeostasis. We found that an intravenous bolus injection of human kallistatin caused a rapid, potent, and transient reduction of mean arterial blood pressure in anesthetized rats. Infusion of purified kallistatin (0.07-1.42 nmol/kg) into cannulated rat jugular vein produced a 20-85 mmHg reduction of blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Hoe 140, a bradykinin B2-receptor antagonist, had no effect on the hypotensive effect of kallistatin yet it abolished the blood pressure-lowering effect of kinin and kallikrein. Relaxation of isolated aortic rings by kallistatin was observed in the presence (ED50 of 3.4 x 10(-9) M) and in the absence of endothelium (ED50 of 10(-9) M). Rat kallikrein-binding protein, but not kinin or kallikrein, induced vascular relaxation of aortic rings. Neither Hoe 140 nor Nomega-nitro--arginine methyl ester, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, affected vasorelaxation induced by kallistatin. Kallistatin also caused dose-dependent vasodilation of the renal vasculature in the isolated, perfused rat kidney. Specific kallistatin-binding sites were identified in rat aorta by Scatchard plot analysis with a Kd of 0.25+/-0.07 nM and maximal binding capacity of 47.9+/-10.4 fmol/mg protein (mean+/-SEM, n = 3). These results indicate that kallistatin is a potent vasodilator which may function directly through a vascular smooth muscle mechanism independent of an endothelial bradykinin receptor. This study introduces the potential significance of kallistatin in directly regulating blood pressure to reduce hypertension.

Tissue-specific expression and promoter analyses of the human tissue kallikrein gene in transgenic mice

The expression of the tissue kallikrein gene is tissue-specific and exhibits a complex pattern of transcriptional and post-translational regulation. Information concerning the mechanism of its tissue-specific expression has been limited owing to the lack of suitable cell lines for the expression study. We approached this problem by introducing human tissue kallikrein gene constructs into mouse embryos, creating transgenic lines carrying its coding sequence with varying lengths of the promoter region. One construct (PHK) contained 801 bp in the 5'-flanking region and two deletion constructs contained either 302 bp (D300) or 202 bp (D200) of the promoter region. The expression of human tissue kallikrein in these transgenic mice was monitored by Northern blot, reverse transcriptase-PCR followed by Southern blot, and radioimmunoassay. In all three lines, human tissue kallikrein was expressed predominantly in the pancreas and at lower levels in other tissues, including salivary gland, kidney and spleen. This pattern was similar to that of tissue kallikrein expression in human tissues. The D300 line has higher levels of transgene expression than the D200 and PHK lines. The results indicate that the 202 bp segment immediately upstream of the translation starting site is sufficient to direct a tissue-specific expression pattern of the human tissue kallikrein gene, and that regulatory elements might exist between -801 and -202.

DNA polymorphisms in the 5'-flanking region of the human tissue kallikrein gene

Human tissue kallikrein gene polymorphisms were identified in the promoter region by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing. One polymorphic region was identified between nucleotides -121 and -133 with respect to the transcription initiation site of the tissue kallikrein gene. Ten alleles with length and nucleotide sequence variations were detected among 108 unrelated Caucasians, African-Americans, and Asians. The polymorphisms show Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Allele-specific amplification and PCR analyses were used to detect the various forms of polymorphism. The promoter activity was analyzed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells by transient transfection assays. Sequential 5'-deletion analysis of the tissue kallikrein gene promoter revealed that the region from -144 to -98 is crucial for its promotor activity, while alleles D and H had significantly lower promoter activities than the other alleles in the -940/+10 deletion constructs. The high variability and the proximity to the tissue kallikrein gene render it suitable for application as a new tool in genetic studies for evaluation of the tissue kallikrein gene in the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension.

Kallikrein gene therapy in newborn and adult hypertensive rats

The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been postulated to play an important role in blood pressure regulation. Kallikreins are serine proteinases that release potent vasodilating kinin peptides from precursor kininogens by limited proteolysis. Our recent studies show that systemic delivery of the human tissue kallikrein gene into adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) results in a sustained reduction of blood pressure for several weeks. The goal of this study is to evaluate whether early delivery of the kallikrein gene into newborn SHR could exert a suppressive effect on blood pressure phenotype during rat growth and development. A human tissue kallikrein cDNA construct, under the control of cytomegalovirus promoter (CMV-cHK), or vector DNA was injected subcutaneously into the necks of 2-day-old SHR. Blood pressures were monitored biweekly from 3 to 19 weeks by the tail-cuff method. A single injection of the human kallikrein cDNA construct caused a significant reduction of blood pressure (n = 6, p < 0.001) from 11 to 17 weeks after injection compared with control rats receiving vector DNA. Intravenous delivery of the human tissue kallikrein gene into adult SHR produced blood pressure lowering effects (n = 6, p < 0.001) that lasted for 6 weeks in male but not in female rats. The expression of human tissue kallikrein in rats was identified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis and an ELISA specific for human tissue kallikrein. Kallikrein gene delivery did not cause any changes in body weight, urine volume, or water intake in the experimental animals compared with the control group. No antibodies to either human tissue kallikrein or its DNA were detected in rat sera 19 weeks postinjection. These results show that delivery of the kallikrein gene at an early stage of life has a protective effect against development of hypertension in adult SHR and that gender differences could be a factor in kallikrein gene therapy for the treatment of hypertensive disorders.

Expression of human tissue kallikrein in rat salivary glands and its secretion into circulation following adenovirus-mediated gene transfer

Replication-deficient adenovirus Ad.CMV-cHK, expressing human tissue kallikrein under the control of the cytomegalovirus enhancer/promoter, was introduced into rat salivary glands via a direct intracapsular injection. A single injection of Ad.CMV-cHK at a dose of 4 x 10(9) pfu resulted in a sustained expression of human tissue kallikrein in rat salivary glands. The level of immunoreactive human tissue kallikrein in rat sera was the highest at 1 day post gene delivery when both salivary glands were injected and decreased in a time-dependent manner after gene delivery. Human tissue kallikrein levels in sera increased concomitantly with the amount of adenovirus used in direct salivary injection. The detection of human tissue kallikrein in sera after gene delivery into salivary glands provided direct evidence indicating that rat salivary glands secrete locally synthesized human tissue kallikrein to the systemic circulation. The direct injection of salivary glands with replication-deficient adenovirus could provide a systemic route for gene delivery for studying salivary gland function and development. Targeted gene delivery to the salivary gland may provide the means to express therapeutic proteins in saliva and the systemic circulation.

Kallikrein gene therapy: a new strategy for hypertensive diseases

The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been postulated to play a role in blood pressure homeostasis and the pathogenesis of clinical hypertension. To demonstrate the potential therapeutic effects of somatic gene delivery in treating hypertension, we used spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as a model. The gene encoding the human tissue kallikrein was used because of its powerful hypotensive action. The human kallikrein DNA constructs were placed under the control of the metallothionein metal response element, the cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer or the Rous sarcoma virus 3'-LTR. The human tissue kallikrein DNA constructs were incorporated into adenoviral vectors via homologous recombination. The naked plasmid DNA constructs or adenovirus containing the kallikrein gene were first introduced into kidney 293 cells and the expression of human tissue kallikrein was identified by ELISA. The kallikrein gene was delivered into SHR via intramuscular, intravenous, portal vein, intraperitoneal, and intracerebroventricular routes. A single injection of naked human kallikrein DNA constructs caused a prolonged reduction of high blood pressure for up to 8 weeks. Adenoviral-mediated gene delivery results in high efficiency of human tissue kallikrein expression. Immunoreactive human kallikrein was detected in rat serum at the highest level at 1 day post gene delivery. Portal vein delivery of a reporter gene, AdCMV-LacZ, results in intense staining of beta-galactosidase in rat liver, suggesting that recombinant kallikrein is mainly produced in liver and secreted into the circulation. These results show that kallikrein gene delivery causes a sustained reduction of blood pressure in genetically hypertensive rats and provide important information for a potential gene therapy approach to human hypertension and related diseases.

Experimental kallikrein gene therapy in hypertension, cardiovascular and renal diseases

Hypertension is a multi-gene and multi-factorial disorder affecting about 25% of the population. Hypertensive subjects are more likely to develop other cardiovascular diseases such as peripheral vascular disease, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular disease. To demonstrate potential therapeutic effects of somatic gene delivery in treating hypertension, we delivered human tissue kallikrein in the form of naked DNA or in an adenovirus vector into hypertensive rats. Naked DNA constructs were delivered into spontaneously hypertensive rats via intramuscular, intravenous, intraportal vein and intraperitoneal routes. A single injection of human kallikrein DNA construct caused a sustained reduction of blood pressure which began 1 week post-injection and continued for more than 6 weeks. The hypotensive effect caused by somatic gene delivery of human tissue kallikrein in hypertensive rats is reversed by aprotinin, a potent tissue kallikrein inhibitor. Both systemic and local delivery of the human tissue kallikrein gene in an adenovirus vector were found to be highly effective in producing a rapid and sustained reduction of blood pressure in hypertensive rat models such as spontaneously hypertensive rats; two kidney, one clip Goldblatt hypertensive rats; and Dahl salt-sensitive rats. The expression of human tissue kallikrein in rats was identified in the heart, kidney, aorta, lung and liver by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis and by ELISA. Adenovirus-mediated kallikrein gene delivery also resulted in the attenuation of glomerular and tubular damage and reduction of the left ventricular mass and cardiomyocyte size in Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high salt diet. The ability of kallikrein gene delivery to produce a wide spectrum of beneficial effects makes it an excellent candidate in treating salt-related hypertension as well as cardiovascular and renal diseases. These results suggest the feasibility of applying somatic gene therapy for treating hypertension and salt-related cardiovascular and renal disorders.

N1-dansyl-spermine and N1-(n-octanesulfonyl)-spermine, novel glutamate receptor antagonists: block and permeation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors

The effects of several N-sulfonyl-polyamines, including N1-dansyl-spermine (N1-DnsSpm) and N1-(n-octanesulfonyl)-spermine (N1-OsSpm), were studied at recombinant N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. N1-DnsSpm and N1-OsSpm inhibited NMDA receptors and were approximately 1000-fold more potent than spermine in oocytes voltage-clamped at -70 mV. Block by N1-DnsSpm and N1-OsSpm was strongly voltage dependent, being more pronounced at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. With the Woodhull model of voltage-dependent channel block, the values of Kd(0) were 779 microM, 882 microM, and 7.4 mM and those of z delta were 2.58, 2.57, and 1.07 for N1-DnsSpm, N1-OsSpm, and spermine, respectively. This suggests that an increase in the voltage dependence of block together with an increase in affinity contributes to the increased potencies of N1-DnsSpm and N1-OsSpm compared with spermine. Sensitivity to N1-DnsSpm was reduced by mutation NR1(N616Q) and was increased by mutations NR1(N616G) and NR2A(N615G). The NR1(N616G) and NR2A(N615G) mutations decreased the Kd(0) value of N1-DnsSpm without affecting z delta, whereas the NR1(N616Q) mutation reduced z delta. These mutations may alter the accessibility of part of the polyamine binding site within the channel pore or directly alter the properties of that site. Block by N1-DnsSpm (0.3 microM) was almost complete at -100 mV, and there was no relief of block at extreme negative membrane potentials (-100 to -200 mV) at wild-type NR1/NR2A channels. In contrast, block by N1-DnsSpm was partially relieved at extreme negative potentials at receptors containing NR1(N616G) or NR2A(N615G), suggesting that N1-DnsSpm can permeate these mutant channels but not wild-type NR1/NR2A channels. This is hypothesized to be due to an increase in the pore size of channels containing NR1(N616G) or NR2A(N615G), which allows passage of the bulky head group of N1-DnsSpm. In contrast to N1-DnsSpm, N1-OsSpm could easily permeate wild-type NR1/NR2A channels, presumably because the head group of N1-OsSpm can pass through the narrowest part of the channel pore. N-Sulfonyl-polyamines such as N1-DnsSpm and N1-OsSpm represent a new class of polyamine antagonists with which to study glutamate receptor ion channels.

Kallikrein-binding protein levels are reduced in the retinas of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

PURPOSE

To determine the involvement of rat kallikrein-binding protein (RKBP) in the development of diabetic retinopathy.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg body weight in 0.05 M citrate buffer, pH 4.5) in male Sprague-Dawley rats (150 to 175 g, 6 weeks old) as confirmed by hyperglycemia and reduced body weight. Retinas were dissected from animals at 1, 2, and 4 months of diabetes. The functional activity of RKBP in retinal homogenates was determined by its complex formation with tissue kallikrein. Immunoreactive RKBP levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The RKBP messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the retina were measured by Northern blot analysis using the RKBP complementary DNA probe. The activity of total Na+,K(+)-ATPase was determined by a radioassay. Total protein concentration was determined by a protein assay.

RESULTS

The kallikrein-binding activity was reduced in the retinas of STZ-diabetic rats at 1 (59%), 2 (50%), and 4 (38%) months of diabetes compared to those of age-matched control subjects. Levels of immunoreactive RKBP were significantly lower in the diabetic animals at each time point examined compared to those of control subjects. At 1 and 2 months of diabetes, RKBP levels (nanogram/milligram protein) were decreased significantly to 6.9 +/- 0.7 (n = 8) and 10.6 +/- 1.0 (n = 8), respectively, compared to those of age-matched control subjects (14.1 +/- 0.7, n = 8, P < 0.001, and 14.1 +/- 1.2, n = 8, P < 0.01). At 4 months of diabetes, retinal RKBP levels were lower in both control and diabetic groups, but RKBP levels in diabetic groups were significantly lower (5.8 +/- 0.6, n = 8) than those of the age-matched control subjects (8.4 +/- 0.9, n = 8, P < 0.01). Similarly, Northern blot analysis showed that RKBP mRNA levels were reduced in the retina of each group of STZ-diabetic rats, suggesting that the decrease in RKBP occurred at the level of transcription.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that STZ-induced diabetic rats have decreased retinal RKBP; moreover, this suggests that RKBP may contribute to diabetic retinopathy.

Signal amplification in the detection of single-copy DNA and RNA by enzyme-catalyzed deposition (CARD) of the novel fluorescent reporter substrate Cy3.29-tyramide

We demonstrate that the CAtalyzed Reporter Deposition method (CARD), utilizing the novel fluorescent reporter Cy3.29-tyramide, is successful in the Fluorescent in Situ Hybridization (FISH) detection of RNA and single-copy DNA. Histone 4 expression is detected in RNA extracts of 5-phase, synchronized HeLa cells by dot-blot analysis. Gene expression of histone 4 in HeLa cells is demonstrated by FISH via CARD, utilizing oligonucleotide probes. Fluorescence intensity measurements on CARD-amplified histone 4 RNA detection showed (a) a 25-fold amplification of the signal brightness by biotinylated oligonucleotide probes and (b) a sixfold amplification of the signal brightness by horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled histone 4 probes vs the directly stained control. The sensitivity of the CARD method is demonstrated by the FISH detection of single-copy DNA on human corneal fibroblast and HeLa S5 interphase nuclei. Chromosomal localization of the single copy DNA is demonstrated on HeLa S3 metaphase chromosome spreads.

Expression and localization of human kallistatin in rat submandibular gland after intracapsular gene injection

Gene delivery into rat submandibular gland in vivo by direct intracapsular injection has been studied. After the administration of adenovirus constructs, Ad-RSV-LacZ and Ad-CMV-LacZ, beta-galactosidase expression was localized in the granular convoluted tubular and striated duct cells of rat submandibular gland by in situ enzyme histochemistry. Adenovirus-mediated delivery of the human kallistatin gene (Ad-RSV-HKBP) into rat submandibular gland results in the expression of human kallistatin in a time-dependent manner. The expression of immunoreactive kallistatin in submandibular gland was detected 1 day after the Ad-RSV-HKBP injection and it reached a plateau (1-2 ng/mg protein) 2 days after gene delivery. Higher levels of human kallistatin were found in the submandibular gland of 6-month-old rats than in one-month-old rats. After direct gene injection, human kallistatin was localized mainly in cells of the granular convoluted tubules and striated ducts of rat submandibular gland using a specific monoclonal antibody to human kallistatin. The results indicate that direct intracapsular gene delivery into the submandibular gland provides a simple and reliable method for introducing foreign genes into the gland. This method can be used for studying gene regulation in vivo and may have potential for gene therapy in oral diseases.

Adenovirus-mediated delivery of human kallistatin gene reduces blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Human kallistatin, or human tissue kallikrein-binding protein (HKBP), is a serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin). Transgenic mice overexpressing rat kallikrein-binding protein are hypotensive. To elucidate therapeutic potentials of kallistatin in hypertension, the human kallistatin gene in an adenoviral vector was directly introduced into spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) through portal vein injection. The kallistatin cDNA construct (RSV-cHKBP) under the promoter control of Rous sarcoma virus 3' long terminal repeat (LTR) was incorporated into adenovirus (Ad.RSV-cHKBP). Recombinant kallistatin in 293 cells transfected with RSV-cHKBP or Ad.RSV-cHKBP was measured by ELISA and by its complex formation with tissue kallikrein. A single intraportal vein injection of Ad.RSV-cHKBP at a dose of 8 x 10(10) pfu results in a significant reduction of blood pressure of SHR for 4 weeks. Human kallistatin mRNA was detected in the liver, spleen, kidney, aorta, and lung of rats receiving gene delivery. Immunoreactive human kallistatin in rat serum was detected at the highest level 1 day post injection and at lesser amounts in rat tissues. This study shows that adenovirus harboring Ad.RSV-cHKBP produces functional kallistatin, and adenovirus-mediated transfer of the human kallistatin gene reduces blood pressures of SHR. The results suggest that kallistatin may function as a vasodilator in vivo and provide important information for a potential gene therapy approach to hypertension.

Kallikrein-kinin system and blood pressure sensitivity to salt

We evaluated the blood pressure response to chronic salt loading in a rat strain inbred for low urinary kallikrein excretion. Low-kallikrein rats showed greater systolic blood pressure values (130 +/- 1 versus 114 +/- 2 mm Hg in controls; P < .05) at 9 weeks of age. Systolic blood pressure was increased after 10 days of dietary sodium loading in the low-kallikrein group and remained unchanged in controls (153 +/- 1 versus 112 +/- 2 mm Hg, P < .01). In additional experiments, blood pressure sensitivity to salt was tested in low-kallikrein rats receiving a chronic infusion of rat glandular kallikrein (1.7 micrograms/day per 100 g body weight, IV) or vehicle. Systolic blood pressure of vehicle-treated rats was increased by salt loading (from 138 +/- 1 to 158 +/- 2, 153 +/- 1, and 145 +/- 2 mm Hg at 5, 10, and 15 days, respectively; P < .01), while it remained unchanged in the kallikrein-treated group (from 136 +/- 2 to 146 +/- 5, 140 +/- 2, and 134 +/- 4 mm Hg at 5, 10, and 15 days, respectively; P = NS). Urinary kallikrein excretion was increased by kallikrein infusion (from 13.6 +/- 1.4 to 17.8 +/- 2.1 nanokatals per 24 hours; P < .01). Plasma immunoreactive kallikrein levels were higher in the kallikrein-treated group (66.4 +/- 4.4 versus 57.7 +/- 1.4 ng/mL in vehicle-treated rats; P < .05). On normal sodium diet, the ratio of kidney weight to body weight was lower in low-kallikrein rats (329 +/- 5 versus 370 +/- 8 mg/100 g body weight in controls; P < .01). This difference was associated with a decreased number of glomeruli per unit square area and increased width of Bowman's space. These results indicate that kallikrein replacement prevents the exaggerated blood pressure increase observed in rats with a genetically determined defect in urinary kallikrein excretion. Histological abnormalities are present at different levels in the nephron, and they may be functionally related to the altered cardiovascular and renal phenotype of this strain.

Beneficial effects of kallikrein-binding protein in transgenic mice during endotoxic shock

Rat kallikrein-binding protein (RKBP) is a negative acute phase protein. The potential role of RKBP in inflammation was evaluated in transgenic mice overexpressing the RKBP gene under the control of the mouse metallothionein metal-responsive promoter. Bacterial endotoxic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intraperitoneally into mice at a dose of 600 microg/25 g body weight. The death toll was recorded every 12 hours for 3 days. The survival rate of transgenic male mice (n=78) was 33.3% while that of control male mice (n=54) was 9.3% 3 days post LPS injection. In comparison, the survival rate of transgenic female mice (n=59) was 55.9% while that of control female mice (n=65) was 30.8%. Recombinant RKBP levels in the circulation of these mice increased by 3-fold after LPS treatment. The results show that RKBP transgenic mice have a higher survival rate than their non-transgenic control littermates after endotoxin shock and female mice are more resistant to lethality induced by endotoxin shock than male mice in both transgenic and control groups. These findings suggest that kallikrein-binding protein has a protective effect during acute phase inflammation.

Hypotension in transgenic mice overexpressing human bradykinin B2 receptor

Bradykinin binds to its receptor at target organs and exerts a wide spectrum of biological activities including vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, pain, and inflammation. To gain a better insight into the physiological function of this potent vasoactive peptide, we created transgenic mice that harbor the human bradykinin B2 receptor transgene under the control of the Rous sarcoma virus 3'-LTR promoter (RSV-cHBKR). Expression of HBKR in these transgenic mice was identified in the aorta, brain, heart, lung, liver, kidney, uterus, and prostate gland by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction Southern blot analysis. Two transgenic mouse lines expressing the human B2 receptor resulted in a significant reduction of blood pressure (84.2 +/- 0.6 mm Hg, n = 28; 76.9 +/- 0.8 mm Hg, n = 24; P < .001) compared with the control littermates (96.9 +/- 0.4 mm Hg, n = 52). Administration of Hoe 140, a bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, restored the blood pressure of the transgenic mice to normal levels within 1 hour, and the effect diminished within 4 hours. The transgenic mice displayed enhanced blood pressure-lowering effect induced by a bolus intra-aortic injection of kinin and showed increased response in kinin-induced uterine smooth muscle contractility compared with control littermates. These studies show that overexpression of human bradykinin B2 receptor causes a sustained reduction of blood pressure in transgenic mice. They also suggest that the B2 receptor-mediated signal transduction pathway plays a role in blood pressure regulation.

Antisense inhibition of the brain kallikrein-kinin system

We used antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) strategy, based on interference of information flow from gene to protein, to determine the role of kininogen and bradykinin B2 receptor genes in the pathogenesis of genetic hypertension in rats. Mean blood pressure of 9-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) increased 4 hours after acute intracerebroventricular injection of synthetic 18-mer antisense ODNs targeting the translation initiation codon of kininogen mRNA (from 164 +/- 5 to 181 +/- 4 mm Hg, P < .01) or bradykinin B2 receptor mRNA (from 161 +/- 5 to 185 +/- 8 mm Hg, P < .01) and then returned to basal levels within 24 hours. Prolonged vasopressor effects were observed after repeated injections of antisense ODN targeting kininogen mRNA. Antisense ODNs to kininogen and B2 receptor mRNAs increased blood pressure of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats only slightly compared with SHR (from 116 +/- 3 to 124 +/- 1 and from 116 +/- 2 to 126 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively; P < .05). Cardiovascular responses were confirmed by the use of antisense ODNs targeted to bind to different non-overlapping regions of kininogen or B2 receptor mRNA. Microinjection of antisense ODN to B2 receptor mRNA into the nucleus tractus solitarii increased mean blood pressure in SHR and prevented the vasodepressor effect induced by intranuclear microinjection of bradykinin. No significant change in mean blood pressure was induced in either strain by intravenous injection of antisense ODNs or by central injection of sense or scrambled ODNs. A strong fluorescent signal was detected at the level of the hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus periventricularis, midbrain, and cerebrum 1 hour after central injection of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated antisense ODNs. Kininogen levels were significantly lower in the brain of rats given intracerebroventricular antisense kininogen ODN compared with controls. Our results indicate that the brain kallikrein-kinin system plays a role in the central regulation of blood pressure and suggest that this system may exert a protective action against further elevations of blood pressure levels in SHR.

High level of circulating human tissue kallikrein induces hypotension in a transgenic mouse model

We established a unique transgenic mouse model in liver-targeted expression of human tissue kallikrein using a mouse albumin enhancer and promoter. Northern blot analysis and ELISA showed that human tissue kallikrein was predominantly expressed in the liver of transgenic mice and secreted into the circulation at a high level. The transcript was also detected in the kidney, pancreas, salivary gland and heart at a low level by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis. Systolic blood pressures were measured by the tail-cuff method, all three independent transgenic mouse lines are hypotensive (84.6 +/- 1.0 mmHg, n = 17; 84.5 +/- 1.5 mmHg, n = 9; 83.1 +/- 0.8 mmHg, n = 13, P < 0.01) compared with the control mice (100.9 +/- 0.9 mmHg, n = 17). Administration of aprotinin, a potent tissue kallikrein inhibitor or Hoe 140, a bradykinin receptor antagonist, restored the blood pressure of transgenic mice but had no significant effect on control littermates. These studies show that over-production of tissue kallikrein in the circulation plays a role in blood pressure regulation.

Kallistatin in human ocular tissues: reduced levels in vitreous fluids from patients with diabetic retinopathy

PURPOSE

Kallistatin is a serine proteinase inhibitor, which binds to tissue kallikrein and inhibits its proteolytic activity. This study is to determine the expression, cellular localization and the potential function of kallistatin in the eye.

METHODS

Tissue kallikrein-kallistatin complex formation was performed to detect the kallikrein-binding activity in ocular tissues. Immunoreactive kallistatin was detected and quantified by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using polyclonal antibody specific to human kallistatin. In situ hybridization histochemistry was employed to localize the kallistatin mRNA in human eyes using an antisense riboprobe of kallistatin.

RESULTS

We have identified active kallistatin in the cornea, ciliary body, sclera, choroid, optic nerve, retina, vitreous and aqeous fluids. Kallistatin binds to tissue kallikrein and forms an SDS-stable complex. Immunoreactive kallistatin was identified in these tissues. Linear dose-dependent curves of the tissue extracts of the retina and choroid are parallel to that of purified human kallistatin, suggesting their immunological identity. The kallistatin mRNA was identified in the ciliary muscle, lens epithelial cells, all the layers of retina cells, optic nerve, choroid and vascular endothelial cells. These cells were not stained by the sense riboprobe under the same conditions, indicating the specificity of the hybridization. We also compared immunoreactive kallistatin levels in vitreous fluids from 18 patients with diabetic retinopathy and 17 non-diabetic subjects. The results show that diabetic subjects have significantly lower kallistatin levels (233.0 +/- 14.6 ng/mg protein) compared to non-diabetic subjects (334.1 +/- 26.9 ng/mg protein).

CONCLUSIONS

Kallistatin is produced endogenously in the eye and the decrease in the vitreous kallistatin levels may be involved in diabetic retinopathy.

Tissue kallikrein-binding protein reduces blood pressure in transgenic mice

The kallikrein-kinin system participates in blood pressure regulation. One of the kallikrein-kinin system components, kallikrein-binding protein, binds to tissue kallikrein and inhibits its activity in vitro. To investigate potential roles of rat kallikrein-binding protein (RKBP) in vivo, we have developed transgenic mice that express an RKBP gene under the control of the mouse metallothionein metal-responsive promoter. Expression of the transgene, RKBP, was detected in the liver, kidney, lung, heart, pancreas, salivary glands, spleen, brain, testis, and adrenal gland at the mRNA and protein levels. Systolic blood pressures of homozygous transgenic mice were 88.5 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (mean +/- S.E., n = 19, P < 0.001) for one line and 88.8 +/- 1.6 mm Hg (mean +/- S.E., n = 19, P < 0.001) for another, as compared with 100.5 +/- 0.8 mm Hg (mean +/- S.E., n = 18) for control mice. Direct blood pressure measurements of these transgenic mice through an arterial cannula showed similar reductions of blood pressure. Intravenous injection of purified RKBP into mice via a catheter produced a dose-dependent reduction of the mean arterial blood pressure. Our findings suggest that RKBP may function as a vasodilator in vivo, independent of regulating the activity of tissue kallikrein.

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by glycine: role of an aspartate residue in the M3-M4 loop of the NR1 subunit

Glutamate and glycine are coagonists that act at distinct sites to activate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. In the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor, mutation of D732 to glutamate (D732E), asparagine (D732N), alanine (D732A), or glycine (D732G) reduced the potency of glycine by > 4000-fold, but these mutations had no effect on sensitivity to glutamate. Mutations at NR1(D732) also changed sensitivity to the glycine-site agonists D-serine and D-alanine, reducing the potencies and, in some cases, the efficacies of these compounds. Thus, D-serine was a full agonist at the glycine site of receptors containing NR1(D732N) and NR1(D732A), a partial agonist at receptors containing NR1(D732G), and a competitive antagonist at receptors containing NR1(D732). Mutations at NR1(D732) had no effect or produced an increase in sensitivity to the glycine-site antagonists 6,7-dichloroquinoxaline-2,3-dione and 5,7-dichlorokynurenic acid. These mutations did not affect the reversal potential, voltage-dependent block by extracellular Mg2+, block by ifenprodil, or stimulation by spermine at NR1/NR2B receptors. NR2 subunits containing mutations at NR2A(D731) and NR2B(D732), which correspond to NR1(D732), did not produce functional receptors when coexpressed with NR1. Residue D732 in NR1 may be close to a glycine binding site on the NMDA receptor and may directly affect the properties of this site or be critical for coupling of glycine binding to channel activation.

High-salt diet upregulates kininogen and downregulates tissue kallikrein expression in Dahl-SS and SHR rats

Tissue kallikrein cleaves low-molecular-weight (low-M(r)) kininogen to produce the vasoactive kinin peptide. It has been suggested that hypertensive patients with low urinary kallikrein excretion may have a defect in sodium handling. In this study, we examined the effect of a high-salt diet on the expression of tissue kallikrein and kininogen genes in Dahl salt-sensitive rats (Dahl-SS), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) by Northern and Western blot analysis and radioimmunoassay. Control and experimental groups received normal and high-salt diets containing 0.4% and 8% NaCl, respectively, for 6 wk. High-salt diet induced a significant time-dependent increase of blood pressure in both strains of hypertensive rats and a slight but significant increase of blood pressure in normotensive SD rats. Hepatic kininogen mRNA levels of both Dahl-SS and SHR on a high-salt diet increased 2.4-fold and 2.0-fold, respectively, while alpha 1-antitrypsin mRNA levels were not changed in rats receiving high-salt diet. Immunoreactive total kininogen and low-M(r) kininogen (58 kDa) levels in sera increased in response to high-salt diet in both strains of hypertensive rats. In SD rats, the low-M(r) kininogen level in sera was unaltered, whereas total kininogen increased in response to high-salt diet. Tissue kallikrein mRNAs in the kidney and salivary glands of Dahl-SS, SHR, and SD rats were reduced, whereas beta-actin mRNA was not altered by high-salt diet. Similarly, immunoreactive intrarenal kallikrein levels were reduced in these rats in response to high-salt diet. These studies show that increases in blood pressure after salt loading in Dahl-SS and SHR are accompanied by increases in low-M(r) kininogen. Tissue kallikrein gene expression in hypertensive Dahl-SS and SHR and normotensive SD rats is suppressed after salt loading. These findings show that reduced renal kallikrein expression and increased kininogen expression is regulated at the transcriptional level during salt loading.

Expression and cellular localization of tissue kallikrein-kinin system in human adrenal gland

The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in regulating blood pressure and electrolyte homeostasis. To understand the function of this system, we identified the expression and cellular localization of its components including tissue kallikrein, kallistatin, kininogen, and bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors in human adrenal gland. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction followed by Southern blot analysis showed that these five components of this system were all expressed in human adrenal gland. In situ hybridization histochemistry with respective digoxigenin-labeled antisense riboprobes revealed localization of kallikrein transcript throughout the adrenal cortex and medulla except the zona glomerulosa, whereas kallistatin mRNA was only localized in the zona fasciculata. Low-molecular-weight kininogen and B2 receptor mRNAs were colocalized in the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata and also in the zona reticularis and chromaffin cells but to a lesser degree. The B1 receptor mRNA was stained in the zona fasciculata and medulla. These results show the expression and differential colocalization of the components of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system and reveal the potential action sites of this system in the adrenal gland.

Identification and characterization of two promoters of rat kallikrein-binding protein gene

Rat kallikrein-binding protein (RKBP) is a serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) which binds to and inhibits tissue kallikrein activity [1,2]. In this study, we have sequenced and identified two promoter regions of the RKBP gene (RKBP). One promoter is located in the 5' flanking region (P1) of the gene and the other is located in the first intron (P2). Both promoters contain a consensus TATA and CAAT box. These RKBP promoters were fused with a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene and their promoter activities were determined by measuring CAT levels using a specific ELISA. The P1 promoter exhibited high promoter activities in Hep3B hepatoma cells but not in La-fibroblastoma cells, indicating its tissue-specificity. By deletion analysis, we have identified a negative regulatory element of the P1 promoter between -739 and -472, and defined a minimal sequence between -183 and -2 for maintaining the intact promoter activity. The P2 promoter showed a strong activity only when linked to an SV40 enhancer. Activity of the P1 promoter can be induced by growth hormone in Hep3B cells. Gel retardation assay has identified 5 DNA fragments which were bound by nuclear proteins from rat liver. Two DNA fragments are in the 5' flanking region, one contains a putative glucocorticoid and growth hormone response element and the other one contains a CAAT box and two putative AP-1 binding sites. The remaining three are in the first intron and contain a putative thyroid hormone response element, a putative GATA site and three consensus CAAT boxes, respectively. Nuclear proteins from the kidney showed that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have a distinct trans-acting factor which binds with the DNA fragment containing the glucocorticoid and growth hormone response elements, as compared with normotensive rats. This result indicates that different trans-acting factors in the kidney of SHR may contribute to the decreased RKBP expression in these hypertensive rats.

Expression and cellular localization of the kallikrein-kinin system in human ocular tissues

Tissue kallikrein is a serine proteinase which processes kininogens to release bioactive kinins. Kinins mediate a variety of biological processes through the interaction with kinin receptors. Kinins are involved in the regulation of blood pressure and local blood flow, vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction and relaxation, production of pain and inflammation, and stimulation of cell proliferation. The tissue kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes such as hypertension, allergy and diabetes mellitus. In the present study, we have identified the expression and localization of components of the kallikrein-kinin system in the human eye by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Southern blot analyses, and in situ hybridization histochemistry. RT-PCR and Southern blot analyses have detected mRNAs of the key components of the system including tissue kallikrein, low molecular weight kininogen, and bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors at high levels in human retina, choroid and ciliary body, and relatively low levels in the optic nerve. In situ hybridization has identified cellular localization of these four mRNAs in ocular tissues. They are expressed in retinal neuronal cells including the outer nuclear layer, inner nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer. These mRNAs were also identified in endothelial cells of ocular blood vessels, ciliary muscle and lens epithelial cells. The sense riboprobes showed negative staining, which indicates the specificity of the antisense riboprobes. These results suggest that the tissue kallikrein-kinin system is produced endogenously in human ocular tissues. Similar expression patterns of kallikrein, kininogen and kinin receptors indicate that the kallikrein-kinin system may function in an autocrine or paracrine fashion in the eye.