Localization of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 in adult and fetal human
kidney: implication for their renal functions.
K[umlaut]umhoff, Martin, Hermann-Josef Gr[umlaut]une, Thomas Klein,
Hannsjoerg W. Seyberth, and Rolf M. Nsing.
Department of Pediatrics and Pathology, Philipps University
Marburg, D-35033 Marburg, Germany
APStracts 3:0227F, 1996.
To gain insight into the roles of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and 2 in
human kidney we analyzed their expression and localization in adult
and fetal normal kidney. Immunohistology showed expression of COX-1
in collecting duct cells, interstitial cells, endothelial cells and
smooth muscle cells of pre- and postglomerular vessels but not of
glomeruli. Expression of COX-2 immunoreactive protein could be
localized to endothelial and smooth muscle cells of arteries and
veins and intraglomerularly in podocytes. In contrast to the rat,
COX-isoforms were not detected in the macula densa. These data were
confirmed by in situ mRNA analysis using digoxigenin labeled
riboprobes. In fetal kidney COX-1 was primarily expressed in
podocytes and collecting duct cells. Expression levels of COX-1 in
both cell types increased markedly from subcapsular to juxtamedullary
cortex. Glomerular staining of COX-2 was detectable in podocytes only
at the endstage of renal development. In summary the localization of
COX-2 suggests that this enzyme may be primarily involved in the
regulation of renal perfusion and glomerular hemodynamics. The
expression of COX-1 in podocytes of the fetal kidney and its absence
in adult glomeruli suggests that this isoform might be involved in
glomerulogenesis.
Received 26 June 1996; accepted in final form 12 December 1996.
APS Manuscript Number F177-6.
Article publication pending Am. J. Physiol. (Renal Fluid Electrolyte
Physiology).
ISSN 1080-4757 Copyright 1996 The American Physiological Society.
Published in APStracts on 31 December 1996