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

Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2010 Jan;298(1):F216-23. doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00295.2009. Epub 2009 Oct 14.

Abstract

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 remain 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 with 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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Epithelium / drug effects
  • Epithelium / metabolism
  • Gap Junction alpha-4 Protein
  • Kidney / cytology
  • Kidney / drug effects*
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Kidney Tubules, Collecting / drug effects
  • Kidney Tubules, Collecting / metabolism
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal / cytology
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal / drug effects
  • Kidney Tubules, Distal / metabolism
  • Kidney Tubules, Proximal / cytology
  • Kidney Tubules, Proximal / drug effects
  • Kidney Tubules, Proximal / metabolism
  • Loop of Henle / cytology
  • Loop of Henle / drug effects
  • Loop of Henle / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Models, Animal
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Connexins
  • Sodium Chloride, Dietary