Expression of connexins in the normal and obstructed developing kidney.
Connections between cells are achieved by proteins called connexins that comprise the gap junction. Connexins play a major role in organ development. Our reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) studies demonstrate that Cx30, Cx36, Cx37, Cx40, Cx45, Cx46, and Cx50 are expressed in the kidney. Quantitative RT-PCR indicates that Cx37, Cx45, and Cx46 are preferentially expressed during early renal development. We also explored the expression of connexins in neonatal unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After 12 days of neonatal UUO, the renal mRNA expression of Cx30, Cx37, and Cx40 was significantly elevated. In contrast, there was no change in connexin renal mRNA levels in adult UUO. We conclude that multiple connexins are expressed in the rat kidney and several are aberrantly expressed in neonatal UUO.
Silverstein
Douglas M
DM
Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. dsilve@lsuhsc.edu
Thornhill
Barbara A
BA
Leung
Jocelyn C
JC
Vehaskari
V Matti
VM
Craver
Randall D
RD
Trachtman
Howard A
HA
Chevalier
Robert L
RL
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D017630:Connexins / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D007668:Kidney / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000503:physiopathology*
D017630:Connexins; D012333:RNA, Messenger