Summary
The localization of plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) in the human kidney was determined by two immunocytochemical techniques, the PAP method and the protein A-gold technique. By using the affinity purified antibody against RBP obtained from the urine of the patients with cadmium poisoning (Itai-Itai disease), the immunoreactive substances were located by light microscopy in the proximal tubules of the human kidney. By immuno-electron microscopy, the stained organelles were identified as lysosomes in both S1 and S2 segments of the tubules. These data suggested that the reabsorption of low molecular weight plasma proteins like RBP can occur in the two segments. We inferred a similarity between the S1 and S2 segments concerning the reabsorption of RBP.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Goodman DS (1980) Plasma retinol-binding protein. Ann N Y Acad Sci 359:378–390
Glover J, Jay C, White GH (1974) Distribution of retinol-binding protein in tissues. Vitam Horm 32:215–235
Kanai M, Raz A, Goodman DS (1968) Retinol-binding protein: The transport protein for vitamin A in human plasma. J Clin Invest 47:2025–2044
Kanai M, Iwanaga T, Hagino N, Muto Y (1978) Retinol-binding protein in tubular proteinuria of patients with Itai-Itai disease. In: Carna HR, Sastry PS (eds) Vitamin and carrier function of polyprenoids. S Karger, Basel, pp 31–36
Katoh M, Kanai M, Kameko M, Ohno S, Fujii Y, Nagata T (1981) Localization of retinol-binding protein and prealbumin in the human kidney with an unlabeled enzyme immunohistochemical method. Acta Histochem Cytochem 15:68–75
Maack T (1975) Renal handling of low molecular weight proteins. Am J Med 58:57–64
Maunsbach AB (1973) Ultrastructure of the proximal tubule. In: Geiger SR, Orloff J, Berliner RW (eds) Handbook of Physiology, Sect 8. American Physiological Society, Washington, DC, pp 31–79
Peterson PA, Beggard I (1971) Isolation and properties of a human retinol-transporting protein. J Biol Chem 246:25–33
Raz A, Shiratori T, Goodman DS (1970) Studies on the protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions involved in retinol transport in plasma. J Biol Chem 245:1903–1912
Roth J (1982) The protein A-gold (pAg) technique—a qualitative and quantitative approach for antigen localization on thin sections. In: Bullock GR, Petrusz P (eds) Techniques in immunocytochemistry. Academic Press, London, pp 107–133
Smith JE, Muto Y, Goodman DS (1975) Tissue distribution and subcellular localization of retinol-binding protein in normal and vitamin A-deficient rats. J Lipid Res 16:318–323
Sternberger LA, Hardy PH, Cuculis JJ, Meyer HG (1970) The unlabeled antibody enzyme method of immunohistochemistry. J Histochem Cytochem 18:315–333
Sternberger LA (1979) The unlabeled antibody peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method. In: Sternberger LA (ed) Immunohistochemistry. John Wiley & Sons, New York, pp 104–164
Straus W (1954) Isolation and biochemical properties of droplets from the cells of rat kidney. J Biol Chem 207:745–755
Straus W (1964) Occurrence of phagosomes and phagolysosomes in the different segments of the nephron in relation to the reabsorption, transport, digestion, and extrusion of intravenously injected peroxidase. J Cell Biol 21:295–308
Vahlquist A, Nilson SF, Peterson PA (1971) Isolation of the human retinol binding protein by affinity chromatography. Eur J Biochem 20:160–168
Vahlquist A, Peterson PA, Wibell L (1973) Metabolism of the vitamin A transporting protein complex. Eur J Clin Invest 3:352–362
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Usuda, N., Kameko, M., Kanai, M. et al. Immunocytochemical demonstration of retinol-binding protein in the lysosomes of the proximal tubules of the human kidney. Histochemistry 78, 487–490 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00496200
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00496200