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Widespread tissue distribution of human chymase
1Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine, Department of Hypertension Research, Berlin, Germany.
Summary
Human chymase, an enzyme forming angiotensin II, is widely distributed across various human tissues. This widespread presence suggests chymase plays a significant role beyond the heart in multiple organs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Human chymase is a key enzyme in angiotensin II formation.
- While heart chymase's role in local angiotensin II generation is known, its systemic distribution is unclear.
- Understanding chymase distribution is crucial for elucidating the human tissue angiotensin II system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the systemic distribution and expression levels of human chymase in various human tissues.
- To investigate the correlation between chymase immunoreactivity and enzymatic activity across different organs.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis was used to assess chymase-like immunoreactivity.
- Enzymatic assays measured the Angiotensin II-forming activity from Angiotensin I.
Main Results:
- High chymase immunoreactivity was observed in the alimentary tract, uterus, and tonsil.
- Significant enzymatic activity was detected in skin, esophagus, stomach, and uterus.
- Chymase expression varied significantly across tissues, with detectable levels in most organs studied.
Conclusions:
- Human chymase exhibits heterogeneous and widespread tissue distribution.
- Chymase likely exerts significant physiological influence in multiple human tissues, not solely in the heart.
- These findings highlight the broader role of chymase in human physiology.