Vitamin D receptor gene expression in mammalian kidney.

The vitamin D-receptor protein and its mRNA were localized in microscope sections of paraffin-embedded mammalian kidneys by means of immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. A monoclonal antibody against chicken intestinal vitamin D receptor immunostained the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells within the distal convoluted tubule, connecting segment, and initial cortical collecting duct of both rats and pigs. Although fainter, immunostaining also was present over proximal tubular cells. (35S)UTP-labeled cRNA probes were detected over both the proximal and distal portions of the mouse nephron, but silver grain densities were 5.8-fold greater over the latter. In conclusion, localization of both the vitamin D-receptor protein and its mRNA in both the proximal and distal nephron of adult mammals suggests that the gene for this protein is expressed in cells at both of these sites. The intensity of immunostaining and the density of cRNA-associated silver grains suggest that vitamin D-receptor gene expression is greatest in the distal nephron.