Endothelial cells and components of the kallikrein-kinin system

Endothelial cells are a major source of kininase enzymes including kininase II. Kininase II is situated along the plasma membrane, not as an ecto-enzyme but as an enzyme synthesized by the endothelial cells themselves. However, it is likely that endothelial cells do more than degrade kinins. These cells are contractile and may possess kinin receptors; a possibility supported by the fact that kinins stimulate endothelial cells to form and release prostaglandin-related substances. In addition, we have found that endothelial cells in culture are reactive with antibodies to alpha 2-macroglobulin. Endothelial cells can hydrolyze [3H]Pro-Phe-Arg-anilide, a kallikrein substrate, but the reaction is not inhibited by soya bean trypsin inhibitor (SBTI) or Trasylol. Possibly kallikrein or a related trypsin-like enzyme is bound to alpha 2-macroglobulin and is not free to react with the inhibitors. Thus, endothelial cells can bind and inhibit kallikrein-like enzymes, degrade kinins and respond to kinin stimulation.