Widespread tissue distribution of human chymase

Item Type:	Article
Title:	Widespread tissue distribution of human chymase
Creators Name:	Urata, H. and Strobel, F. and Ganten, D.
Abstract:	OBJECTIVE: Human chymase is a potent and specific angiotensin (Ang) II-forming serine proteinase. Although the histological localization of heart chymase indicated that this enzyme contributes to extracellular Ang II formation, the systemic distribution and the level of expression of chymase in various human tissues have not been clarified. This information is needed to elucidate the human tissue Ang II system. METHODS: Levels of immunoreactivity and enzymatic activity in various human tissues were evaluated respectively by Western blot analysis and by an enzymatic assay for Ang II-forming activity from Ang I. RESULTS: High levels of chymase-like immunoreactivity were found in alimentary tract tissue, uterus and tonsil; moderate levels were found in both cardiac ventricles, lung, adenoid and liver; low levels were found in the cardiac atria, coronary artery, aorta and skin; and almost undetectable levels were found in the spleen and kidney. High levels of chymase-like enzymatic activity were detected in skin, oesophagus, stomach and uterus; moderate levels were found in both cardiac ventricles, lung, colon, tonsil, adenoid and renal cortex; and low levels were found in the cardiac atria, coronary artery, aorta, spleen, renal medulla and liver. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies have revealed heterogeneous and widespread tissue distribution of human chymase throughout the human body and indicate that chymase probably has a significant influence not only in the heart but also in other tissues.
Keywords:	Angiotensin II-Forming Enzymes, Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, Tissue Renin-Angiotensin System, Angiotensin II Receptor, Cardiovascular Disease
Source:	Journal of Hypertension
ISSN:	0263-6352
Publisher:	Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Volume:	12 (Suppl.)
Number:	9
Page Range:	S17-S22
Date:	1 November 1994
PubMed:	View item in PubMed

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