Differential regulation of kallikrein, kininogen, and kallikrein-binding protein in arterial hypertensive rats

of kallikrein, kininogen, and kallikrein-binding protein in arterial hypertensive rats. Am. J. Physiol. 271 (Renal FZuid EZectroZyte Physiol. 40): F78-F86, 1996.-This study was designed to determine whether the kallikrein-kinin system exerts a protective action in hypertension induced by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase. N”-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 40 mg/lOO ml water) was given orally to Sprague-Dawley rats, while controls received regular tap water. Hepatic kininogen mRNA levels in the L-NAME-treated group were 2.9- and 2.5fold higher at 3 and 4 wk, respectively, compared with control rats, whereas kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) mRNA levels were 82 % and 45 % of the values found in control rats at 3 and 4 wk, respectively. There was no significant change in hepatic al-antitrypsin mRNA levels under the same conditions. At 3 and 4 wk post L-NAM