Where is Kallikrein produced?
As already mentioned, a distinction is made between tissue kallikrein and the kallikrein that circulates in the blood, the plasma kallikrein. Tissue kallikrein is produced in the various tissues in which they perform their function. In addition to the skin and prostate, these include the pancreas and salivary glands.
Plasma kallikrein, however, is produced in the liver. In addition to its important detoxification function, the liver is an extremely important producer of countless enzymes and hormones. Once the kallikrein has been produced in the liver, it is released into the blood and then circulates in the bloodstream.
What is the Kallikrein kinin system?
The kallikrein-kinin system is a complex system consisting of enzymes, proteins and polypeptides. Polypeptides, like proteins, are basically made up of amino acids. However, they consist of a smaller number of amino acid building blocks.
The interaction between the components of the kallikrein-kinin system is very complex and has not been fully researched.The kinines, which are named after the Kallikrein, are called Bradykinin and Kallidin. Kallikrein cuts the precursors of these hormones, thus creating the active forms. The effect of the kinines is briefly summarized:
- Expansion of the vessels
- Ignition initiation
- Increasing the permeability of vessels
- Triggering pain
- Promotes blood clotting in damaged blood vessels
- Dissolving of blood clots with intact blood vessels
What is a kallikrein inhibitor?
In general, an inhibitor is a substance that inhibits an enzyme in different ways. This inhibition results in the enzyme’s product being produced in smaller quantities or no longer being produced. In the case of Kallikrein, the inhibition results in less kinine being produced.
The fact that fewer kinins are present weakens the effect of the kinins. Kinins are, among other substances, necessary for the triggering of an inflammatory reaction. Inflammation results in redness and warming, both caused by dilation of the blood vessels.
In addition, the blood vessels become more permeable and water can enter the tissue. A swelling develops. This swelling is also called oedema.
The substances involved also cause pain. In a genetic disease, hereditary angioedema, it is very important to stop these processes. Hereditary means congenital and angioedema means that a swelling develops that originates in the blood vessels.
This disease causes painful swelling in different parts of the body. It is particularly dangerous when the respiratory tract is affected. A Kallikrein inhibitor is therefore administered, along with other medicines, to combat the swelling and relieve the symptoms.
