Pancreatic kallikrein
Pancreatic Kallikrein is a form of kallikrein that is secreted by the pancreas. It is a serine protease that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including blood pressure regulation, inflammation, and pain mechanisms. Pancreatic kallikrein acts by cleaving kininogen to release kinins, particularly bradykinin, which is a potent vasodilator and contributes to the regulation of blood pressure and the inflammatory response.
Function[edit | edit source]
Pancreatic kallikrein is involved in the Kallikrein-Kinin System (KKS), which is a critical pathway for controlling vascular tone, blood pressure, and pain. The enzyme cleaves low molecular weight kininogen to release kinins, mainly bradykinin, which then bind to their respective G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the surface of various cells, leading to the activation of multiple signaling pathways. These pathways result in the dilation of blood vessels, increased vascular permeability, and the mediation of pain and inflammation.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Alterations in the activity or levels of pancreatic kallikrein can be associated with several diseases, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and certain inflammatory diseases. Due to its role in the KKS, pancreatic kallikrein is also being studied for its potential therapeutic applications, such as in the treatment of hypertension and inflammatory conditions. Moreover, it has been investigated as a biomarker for certain diseases, including pancreatic disorders.
Research and Therapeutic Use[edit | edit source]
Research into pancreatic kallikrein has focused on its potential use in treating diseases related to its physiological functions. For example, kallikrein gene therapy has been explored as a treatment for hypertension, with the aim of increasing kinin production to promote vasodilation and reduce blood pressure. Additionally, due to its anti-inflammatory effects, pancreatic kallikrein or its modulators are being studied for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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