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Immunohistochemical localization of pH-sensitive K+ channel, RACTK1
M Suzuki1, T Takigawa, K Kimura
1Department of Pharmacology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi, Japan.
The American Journal of Physiology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
The renal cortical K+ channel RACTK1 is found in more tissues than previously thought. This pH-sensitive channel is present in various epithelia and vascular smooth muscle, not just the kidney.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The RACTK1 cDNA encodes a pH-sensitive potassium (K+) channel.
- Previous studies using Northern blots suggested RACTK1 was localized exclusively to kidney cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the broader tissue distribution of the RACTK1 channel.
- To confirm the localization of RACTK1 mRNA and protein.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect RACTK1 protein.
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect RACTK1 mRNA.
Main Results:
- Immunohistochemistry revealed RACTK1 in kidney cortical collecting tubules, pancreatic ducts, coronary vascular smooth muscle, and cerebral arteries.
- RT-PCR confirmed the presence of RACTK1 mRNA in these diverse tissues, corroborating immunohistochemical findings.
Conclusions:
- The RACTK1 channel is not restricted to the kidney.
- RACTK1 is widely distributed in various epithelial tissues and vascular smooth muscle cells.
- This broader distribution suggests diverse physiological roles for RACTK1.