[22] Localization of proteases and peptide receptors by confocal microscopy

The chapter presents a study related to localization of proteases and peptide receptors by confocal microscopy. With the development of the new technique of confocal microscopy and with increased computational power, it is possible to view an object from all possible spatial orientations and combine the morphological information with quantitative physiological data. An additional advantage of the technique is the ability to create, with increased image resolution, three-dimensional (3-D) constructs. The chapter provides an historical overview, discusses the nature of confocal imaging, principal elements, merits of the confocal microscope, engineering aspects of scanners, and several other related concepts. Confocal microscopy is a new imaging technique allowing new insight into the morphology and dynamics of cells and tissues. The chapter discusses visualization of protease and receptor images on fixed and nonfixed cells by confocal microscopy, including images of kinin receptors on human neurons, tissue kallikrein in transplant kidney, and kinin receptor status in normal and inflamed gastric mucosa.