Demonstration of dopamine-immunoreactive cells in the proximal convoluted tubule of gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) kidney.

We investigated dopamine immunoreactivity in the kidney of gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). For that purpose a sensitive and selective antibody against glutaraldehyde-conjugated dopamine was applied. Dopamine-immunoreactive cells were found in the epithelium of the proximal convoluted tubule, where these cells revealed a typical segment-like distribution pattern. Dopamine-immunoreactive precipitates were small and concentrated at the apical pole of the labeled cells. This study has directly identified dopamine as a constituent of certain cells of the proximal convoluted tubule in gerbils. The functional significance of dopamine in these cells is discussed in relation to the present view of renal dopaminergic actions.