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Am J Physiol Renal Physiol (October 14, 2009). doi:10.1152/ajprenal.00295.2009
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Submitted on May 28, 2009
Revised on October 9, 2009
Accepted on October 9, 2009

Connexin 37 is localized in renal epithelia and responds to changes in dietary salt intake

Adelina Stoessel1, Nina Himmerkus2, Markus Bleich3, Sebastian Bachmann4, and Franziska Theilig5*

1 Anatomy
2 Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel
3 Christian-Albrechts-Universität
4 Charité - Universitaetsmedizin Berlin
5 Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: franziska.theilig{at}charite.de.

Connexins are the main components of gap junction channels, which are important for intercellular communication. In the kidney, several members of the connexin (Cx) family have been identified. Renal vascular expression and hemodynamic impacts have so far been shown for Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43. Additionally, Cx30, Cx30.3, and Cx43 have been identified to be part of tubular epithelial gap junctions and/ or hemichannels. However, the localization and role of other Cx family members in renal epithelial structures remains undetermined. We aimed to localize Cx37 in the kidney to obtain information on its epithelial expression and potential functions. Immunohistochemistry in rodent kidney showed characteristic punctate patterns in the vasculature and along the nephron. Strong basolateral expression was found in the thick ascending limb and distal convoluted tubule. Weaker abundances were found in the proximal tubule and the collecting duct also at the basolateral side. In situ hybridization and real-time PCR of isolated nephron segments confirmed this distribution at the mRNA level. Ultrastructurally, Cx37 immunostaining was confined to basolateral cell interdigitations and infoldings. As a functional approach, rats were fed low or high salt diets. Compared to control and high salt diets, rats treated with low salt diet showed significantly increased Cx37 mRNA and protein levels. This may be indicative of an adaptive tubular response to changes in sodium reabsorption. In summary, renal epithelia express Cx37 in their basolateral membranes. Here, the formation of Cx37 gap junctions may be involved in cellular communication and adjustments of vectorial epithelial transport.







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