Expression of kallikrein-binding protein and alpha 1-antitrypsin genes in response to sex hormones, growth, inflammation and hypertension
Chao, J.; Chen, L.M.; Chai, K.X.; Chao, L.
Agents and Actions. Supplements 38: 174-181
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0379-0363
PMID: 1466268
Accession: 040108688
We have recently purified rat kallikrein-binding protein (RKBP) and alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) to homogeneity and isolated, sequenced cDNAs encoding these potential regulators of tissue kallikreins. Characterization of the cDNA and the gene has established the identity of the kallikrein-binding protein as a new member of the serpin (serine proteinase inhibitor) superfamily. Using the cDNA probes in Northern blot hybridization, we found a differential regulation of RKBP and alpha 1-AT gene expression in the liver. Ovariectomy results in a 67% reduction of RKBP mRNA levels but a 30% increase of alpha 1-AT mRNA levels. Estradiol or progesterone treatment of the ovariectomized rats increases RKBP transcripts by 2.5- and 6.5-fold, respectively, but reduces alpha 1-AT mRNA level by 30% and 45%, respectively. In contrast to kininogen expression, both RKBP and alpha 1-AT mRNA levels in the liver are at the lowest at birth and rapidly increase during growth and development. Rats injected with endotoxin from 4 to 24 h show a time-dependent decrease of RKBP mRNA levels while the same treatment induces alpha 1-AT gene expression. RKBP mRNA levels in the normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats are higher than those in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) while there are no differences of alpha 1-AT mRNA levels between SHR and WKY.