Parathyroid hormone-related peptide in the human fetal uro-genital tract.
Using a polyclonal antiserum raised against the first 34 amino acids of human parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), we have localized PTHrP throughout the uro-genital tract of the human fetus aged between 8 and 40 weeks. Staining was present in the developing mesonephros, metanephros, gonads and in both the adrenal cortex and medulla. In particular, the developing mesonephric and metanephric renal tubules were intensely positive. Using Northern hybridization analysis we have detected a complex pattern of PTHrP mRNA transcripts ranging in size from 1.4 to 4.5 kb in early second trimester human fetal kidney. The presence of PTHrP in the mesonephros and metanephros provides evidence for a role for PTHrP in the regulation of fetal calcium metabolism. However, its presence in the gonad and adrenal gland invites the possibility of a wider role for PTHrP.
Division of Biomedical Sciences, Kings College London, U.K.
P B
PB
Burton
C
C
Moniz
P
P
Quirke
C
C
Tzannatos
A
A
Pickles
M
M
Dixit
J T
JT
Triffit
H
H
Jüeppner
G V
GV
Segre
D E
DE
Knight
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000032:analysis / Q000196:embryology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006066:Gonads / Q000032:analysis / Q000196:embryology; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000032:analysis / Q000196:embryology; D008650:Mesonephros / Q000032:analysis; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D009693:Nucleic Acid Hybridization; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000032:analysis / Q000196:embryology*
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D044162:Parathyroid Hormone-Related Protein; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C054296:parathyroid hormone-related protein (1-34)