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Research Article Free access | 10.1172/JCI1496
Medical Research Center, Klinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Medical Research Center, Klinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Medical Research Center, Klinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Medical Research Center, Klinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Medical Research Center, Klinikum Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, D-68167 Mannheim, Germany.
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Published February 1, 1998 - More info
The mammalian genome encodes at least nine different members of the ClC family of chloride channels. So far only two of them could be localized on a cellular level in the kidney. We now report on the precise intrarenal localization of the mRNAs coding for the chloride channels ClC-2, ClC-3 and ClC-5. Expression of ClC-2 mRNA, encoding a swelling-activated chloride channel, could be demonstrated in the S3 segment of the proximal tubule. The chloride channel ClC-3 mRNA and ClC-5 mRNA, coding for a chloride channel mutated in kidney stone disease, were both expressed in intercalated cells of the connecting tubule and collecting duct. Whereas ClC-3 mRNA expression was most prominent in the cortex of rat kidneys, ClC-5 mRNA was expressed from the cortex through the upper portion of the inner medulla. A detailed analysis revealed that ClC-3 was expressed by type B intercalated cells, whereas ClC-5 was expressed by type A intercalated cells. These findings have important implications for the pathogenesis of hereditary kidney stone disease caused by mutations in the CLCN5 gene.