Immunohistochemical localization of carbonyl reductase in human tissues

Carbonyl reductase, an NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase of broad specificity, is present in many human tissues. Its precise localization, however, has remained unclear, as well as its physiological and possible pathophysiological significance. The present study reports the immunohistochemical localization of the enzyme in normal human tissues. Immunostaining was detectable in all organs investigated. The highest concentrations were found in the parenchymal cells of the liver, the epithelial cells of the stomach and small intestine, the epidermis, the proximal tubules of the kidney, neuronal and glial cells of the central nervous system, and certain cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Consistently pronounced staining was also observed in smooth muscle fibers and the endothelium of blood vessels. The results are in agreement with a housekeeping function of carbonyl reductase in the elimination of reactive carbonyl compounds.