EXPRESSION OF HEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN EPITOPES IN RENAL-DISEASE

We have examined the immunohistochemical pattern of staining with anti bodies to the 72 kD heat shock protein (HSP72) and ubiquitin in 28 cas es of human renal disease. Three distinct patterns of staining were se en with the use of an antibody to HSP72: tubular, intraluminal and int erstitial. No glomerular staining was detected. In no cases were ubiqu itin epitopes detected. The pattern of staining was most strongly rela ted to the activity of the disease process, positive staining often be ing present in relation to agents or processes known to upregulate str ess protein expression in experimental isolated cellular systems. Stre ss protein upregulation in human renal disease may represent cellular attempts at cytoprotection in conditions of active sublethal cell toxi city.