Nucleotide sequence and expression of rat beta-defensin-1: Its significance in diabetic rodent models

beta -Defensins are epithelium-derived antimicrobial peptides that function in the host's innate defense. We identified the first member of the rat be ta -defensin family, beta -defensin-1 (BD-1), in the kidney and determined its nucleotide sequence. It was predicted to be a 37-amino-acid peptide. Ra t BD-1 mRNA was expressed most abundantly in the kidney, next in skin, tong ue, esophagus, and uterus, followed (at low levels) by brain, trachea, stom ach, urinary bladder, and ovary. BD-1 gene expression in rat kidney was not increased by lipopolysaccharide administration. BD-1 gene expressions in t he kidneys of diabetic rodent models, cholecystokinin-insensitive Otsuka Lo ng-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats, leptin-insensitive obese (fa/fa) Wistar rats , and db/db mice, were significantly lower than those of their lean litterm ates. BD-1 reduction may be in part responsible for the high incidence of u rinary tract infections in diabetes mellitus. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.