[Expression of aquaporin-4 in isolated and purified rat alveolar type II cells].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in isolated and purified rat alveolar type II cells.


METHODS
Rat alveolar type II cells were isolated, purified and identified by special staining and electron microscopy. The distribution of AQP4 in alveolar type II cells was observed by immunocytochemistry and immunoelectron microscope with affinity-purified antibodies to human AQP4.


RESULTS
Immunocytochemistry showed staining for AQP4 in rat alveolar type II cells, and immunoelectron microscope demonstrated the presence of AQP4 on the membrane of the cells.


CONCLUSIONS
AQP4 is expressed in alveolar type II cells in rats, and may play a role in water transportation in the respiratory system.
Liu
Lin
L
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. liu1306@sohu.com
Li
Tao-ping
TP
D000818:Animals; D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000032:analysis*; D002469:Cell Separation; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D051401:Aquaporin 4