THE EXPRESSION OF CONNEXIN-43 IN HUMAN KIDNEY AND CULTURED RENAL-CELLS

Gap junctions enable intercellular communication and play an important role in a variety of vital cellular functions including differentiati on and the control of growth, These junctions are formed by a hexameri c of proteins known as connexins. We investigated the distribution of the connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junction protein in renal cells and human k idney using the all;aline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase immuno histochemical technique with a monoclonal antibody directed against th e cytoplasmic domain of this antigen, Strong staining was demonstrated on the vascular endothelium, the smooth muscle of larger vessels and on glomerular epithelial cells. In addition, Cx43 was expressed on pro ximal tubular cells, glomerular endothelial cells and occasional cells infiltrating the interstitium. In areas of tubular atrophy there was increased staining for Cx43. Using reverse transcription-polymerase ch ain reaction we have also demonstrated that cultured human and rat mes angial cells and human proximal tubular cells express Cx43 messenger R NA. In summary, we have described for the first time the distribution of Cx43 in human kidney and cultured renal cells.