Distribution of DMT 1 within the human glandular system.
DMT1 is a transmembrane protein which transports the divalent metal ions Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+. Although DMT1 has been functionally linked to duodenal absorption and cellular utilisation of iron hardly anything is known about its distribution and potential role within the human glandular system.



Two polyclonal antibodies were raised to study the expression of DMT1 in tissues obtained from human corpus by the means of immunocytochemistry and Western blotting.



All antibodies specifically detected a 60 kD protein band referring to human DMT1. Significant amounts of DMT1 expression were detected on the luminal site of organs, which are involved in excretion/re-absorption processes, such as salivary glands, pancreas, biliary tract and gallbladder.



Our results suggest that DMT1 may be of pivotal importance for the regulation of metal ion homeostasis within organs involved in absorption and excretion of ions.
Koch
R O
RO
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria.
Zoller
H
H
Theuri
I
I
Obrist
P
P
Egg
G
G
Strohmayer
W
W
Vogel
W
W
Weiss
G
G
D000818:Animals; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D015153:Blotting, Western; D027682:Cation Transport Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000378:metabolism*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D011817:Rabbits / Q000276:immunology; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D000099236:Solute Carrier Family 11, Member 2
D027682:Cation Transport Proteins; D033862:Iron-Binding Proteins; D000099236:Solute Carrier Family 11, Member 2