DISTRIBUTION OF BRADYKININ B2 RECEPTORS IN TARGET-CELLS OF KININ ACTION - VISUALIZATION OF THE RECEPTOR PROTEIN IN A431 CELLS, NEUTROPHILS AND KIDNEY SECTIONS

Peptides corresponding to sequences derived from predicted extra- and intracellular loops of the rat bradykinin receptor were analyzed for i nterspecies homology as well as for matches within the present dataset of protein sequences to provide a theoretical basis for the specific recognition of the native cognate protein by antibodies raised against these antigens. Application of polyclonal antibodies raised against t he selected peptides allowed the immunocytochemical localization of th e native receptor protein in cells of rat and human origin. The detect ion of the molecule was achieved by different immunohisto- and immunoc ytochemical methods in combination with light, fluorescence, confocal optical laser and electron microscopy. These results were compared to localization studies by autoradiography. Distribution and subcellular localization were determined in human neutrophils, human epithelial ca rcinoma cells (A431) and in rat kidney tissue.