Upregulation of tissue kallikrein, kinin B₁ receptor, and kinin B₂ receptor in mast and giant cells infiltrating oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

This is the first demonstration that TK1 and kinin B(1) and B(2) receptors are expressed in oesophageal carcinoma. Because TK1 released from tumour cells enzymatically generates mitogenic kinins from its endogenous substrate, kininogen, it is possible that third generation kinin receptor antagonists, which have been shown to be cytotoxic to cancer cells, may be useful therapeutic agents in this disease.