Skeletal Muscle Kallikrein: Potential Role in Metabolic Regulation

Skeletal muscle glucose metabolism appears to be regulated by locally derived factors as well as by systemically circulating hormones. Local factors may be particularly important during exercise, when substrate demand can increase rapidly. Numerous studies in perfused limbs suggest that the kallikrein-kinin system may participate in the regulation of substrate delivery and utilization by skeletal muscle. Evidence also suggests that kinins mediate the increase in insulin sensitivity after administration of converting enzyme inhibitors. Tissue kallikrein has been isolated and purified from rat skeletal muscles, and its level is highest in muscle with high oxidative activity. In other tissues, kallikrein synthesis is under the influence of insulin. It has not been possible to demonstrate effects of kallikrein or kinins on glucose metabolism in isolated skeletal muscle or cardiocytes. Therefore modulation of glucose metabolism by kallikrein or kinins may only be observed in intact perfused tissues or organs.