Thromb Haemost 2001; 85(06): 1043-1047
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1615961
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

The mRNAs of Prekallikrein, Factors XI and XII, and Kininogen, Components of the Contact Phase Cascade Are Differentially Expressed in Multiple Non-hepatic Human Tissues

Peter Neth
1   Abteilung für Klinische Chemie und Klinische Biochemie in der Chirurgischen Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
,
Marianne Arnhold
1   Abteilung für Klinische Chemie und Klinische Biochemie in der Chirurgischen Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
,
Hans Nitschko
2   Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut für Hygiene und Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
,
Edwin Fink
1   Abteilung für Klinische Chemie und Klinische Biochemie in der Chirurgischen Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 27 October 2000

Accepted after revision 19 January 2001

Publication Date:
12 December 2017 (online)

Summary

Recently RT-PCR studies had demonstrated the expression of plasma prekallikrein (PPK) mRNA in extrahepatic tissues. The questions arose whether that is illegitimate or regular expression, and whether the mRNAs of blood coagulation factors XI and XII, and high molecular weight kininogen, components of the contact activation cascade of blood coagulation are also expressed in non-hepatic tissues. These questions were addressed in the present study by employing quantitative RT-PCR. The relative mRNA levels of the respective proteins determined in 16 human tissues indicate legitimate extrahepatic transcription of at least three of the genes. Transcription of all genes was highest in the liver, but only PPK mRNA was detected in all 16 tissues, especially high levels in pancreas, kidney, testis, spleen and prostate. We conclude from these results that PPK is synthesized in significant amounts in non-hepatic tissues and that this locally synthesized PPK may have special local functions.

 
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