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11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 is expressed in the human kidney glomerulus
Saeko Kataoka1, Akihiko Kudo, Hiroshi Hirano
1Department of Pediatric, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|February 12, 2002
Summary
11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11betaHSD2) is present in human kidney glomeruli. This enzyme likely regulates intracellular glucocorticoids, impacting glomerular cell function.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is expressed in the human kidney glomerulus.
- Intracellular glucocorticoid concentration influences GR function in glomerular cells.
- 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11betaHSD2) modulates intracellular glucocorticoids.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of 11betaHSD2 in human kidney glomeruli.
- To determine the functional relevance of 11betaHSD2 in glomerular cells.
Main Methods:
- Competitive RT-PCR to detect 11betaHSD2 mRNA expression.
- Immunoblotting to detect 11betaHSD2 protein.
- Enzymatic activity assays on isolated glomeruli.
- Immunohistochemistry (light and electron microscopy) for cellular and subcellular localization.
Main Results:
- 11betaHSD2 mRNA and protein were detected in isolated human glomeruli.
- 11betaHSD2 enzymatic activity was confirmed in glomeruli.
- The enzyme was localized to glomerular visceral epithelial cells and endothelial cells.
- Subcellular localization was identified as the endoplasmic reticulum.
- 11betaHSD2 was also found in distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts.
Conclusions:
- 11betaHSD2 is expressed in human glomerular cells.
- The enzyme is enzymatically active and localized within glomeruli.
- 11betaHSD2 likely plays a critical role in regulating intracellular glucocorticoid levels in the human kidney glomerulus.