DISCUSSION
Calreticulin (-60 kDa) was first identified as a calcium
binding protein of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum
(18). Recently, calreticulin has also been localized in the
nucleus, cytoplasm, plasma membrane, and extracellular
space, suggesting disparate functions (18-2Q). Calreticulin
also modulates the expression ofhormonally regulated genes,
further supporting its presence and activity outside the endoplasmic
reticulum (21, 22).