Expression of type IV collagen in the developing human kidney

Abstract.

The distribution of α1–6 chains of type IV collagen (α1–6(IV)) in human fetal kidneys was examined by indirect immunofluorescence. By 11 weeks of gestation, α1, 2, 3, 4, and 6(IV) were already present, but α5(IV) appeared relatively late, at 21 weeks. α1(IV) and α2(IV) were present in all basement membranes, α3(IV) and α4(IV) were restricted to the glomerular basement membrane and parts of the tubular basement membrane. α5(IV) was distributed in the glomerular basement membrane, Bowman’s capsule, and parts of the tubular basement membrane. α6(IV) was present in the Bowman’s capsule, parts of the tubular basement membrane, and occurred in parts of the glomerular basement membrane at the early capillary loop stage, but disappeared during the later capillary loop stage.