Localization of kallikrein gene family proteases in rat tissues.

Monoclonal antibodies specific for three kallikrein gene family enzymes (tissue kallikrein, esterase A and tonin) have been used to determine the tissue and cellular distributions of these proteases as well as their association with other relevant molecules (kininogen, kallikrein-binding protein, and Na,K-ATPase alpha-subunit). Secretion of these enzymes from salivary glands was also analyzed. The results of these localization studies provide important clues to the functions of different members of this closely related family of serine proteases.