Immunolocalization of Bradykinin B₂ Receptors on Skeletal Muscle Cells

The kallikrein-kinin system has been implicated in the inflammatory process, blood pressure regulation, renal homeostasis, and glucose utilization. The effects of kallikrein and kinin on glucose uptake by the skeletal muscle are well established; however, the occurrence and the cellular distribution of the kinin receptor(s) mediating these effects in the striated muscle are unknown. Using anti-peptide antibodies raised against the predicted intra- and extracellular domains of the B₂ receptor and the peroxidase/antiperoxidase system, we have been able to detect the B₂ receptor on the plasma membrane of striated skeletal muscle cells of the rat hindlimb. A strong immunostaining appeared as a rim of immunoreactive material located on the periphery of striated muscle cells. Cross-sectioned and longitudinally sectioned cells revealed a similar staining pattern. Alternatively, the immunostaining with specific antibodies to tissue kallikrein and to T-kininogen did not yield a significant staining of the striated muscle cells. Localization of the B₂ receptor on the surface of striated muscle cells provides a structural basis for the hypothesized physiological functions of the kinin system in the skeletal muscle.