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Endothelin-1 mRNA expression in the rat kidney.
D J Nunez1, E A Taylor, V M Oh
1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, U.K.
The Biochemical Journal
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is synthesized by endothelial cells and found in the rat kidney. This study confirms ET-1 mRNA expression in the kidney, suggesting local endothelial release and action.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Endothelial cells synthesize endothelin-1 (ET-1).
- The kidney has abundant ET binding sites near endothelial cells, suggesting local ET-1 action.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of ET-1 mRNA in the rat kidney.
- To determine if the kidney endothelium releases ET-1 to act locally.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription with specific cDNA amplification was used.
- Partial sequencing of amplified rat ET-1 cDNA.
Main Results:
- ET-1 mRNA is expressed in the rat kidney.
- The mature rat ET-1 peptide sequence is identical to mouse, human, and pig sequences.
- Some differences in codon usage were observed in the rat ET-1 cDNA.
Conclusions:
- The rat kidney expresses ET-1 mRNA.
- Endothelial cells in the kidney likely release ET-1 to act on local receptors.
- Rat ET-1 shares sequence identity with other species but has unique codon usage.