Differential expression of KCNQ1 K+ channel in tubular cells of frog kidney

• Main Authors: S. Ćirović, J. Marković-Lipkovski, J. Todorović, J. Nešović-Ostojić, M. Jović, S. Ilić, S. Tatić, D. Čemerikić
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 2010-02-01
• Series: European Journal of Histochemistry
• Subjects: KCNQ1 K+ channel; Rana esculenta; frog kidney; immunohistochemistry
• Online Access: http://www.ejh.it/index.php/ejh/article/view/1672
• ISSN: 1121-760X; 2038-8306

The aim of this study was to evaluate KCNQ1 K+ channel expression in the frog kidney of Rana esculenta. KCNQ1 K+ channel, also known as KvLQT1, is the pore forming a-subunit of the IKs K+ channel, a delayed rectifier voltage-gated K+ channel, which has an important role in water and salt transport in the kidney and gastrointestinal tract. The expression of KCNQ1 K+ channel along tubular epithelium differs from species to species. In the present study the expression of KCNQ1 K+ channel in the frog kidney has been demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. The presence of KCNQ1 K+ channel was demonstrated in the epithelial cells of distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct. However, the pattern of expression of KCNQ1 K+ channel differs between distal convoluted tubules and collecting duct. All epithelial cells of distal convoluted tubules revealed basolateral expression of KCNQ1 K+ channel. On the contrary, only the single cells of collecting duct, probably intercalated cells, showed diffuse cell surface staining with antibodies against KCNQ1 K+ channel. These findings suggest that KCNQ1 K+ channel has cell-specific roles in renal potassium ion transport.