ABSTRACT
Transglutaminase is an calcium dependent enzyme involved in various biological events such as cell growth and proliferation, apoptosis, fertilization, embryogenesis, and carcinogenesis. Biochemically it can be detected in many organs but no systemic in situ localization has been carried out so far. In the present study we report the immuno-histochemical localization of TG1, 2, 3 in rat kidney tissue using newly purificated polyclonal anti-goat traglutaminase 1 and anti-rabbit polyclonal transglutaminase 2 or 3 antibody. The results are as follows 1. The presence of transglutaminase 1, 2 and 3 was demonstrated in the both renal cortex and renal medulla of the rat. Although the in situ localization patterns were very similar, strength of the immunoreactivity was different; transglutaminase 1, 2, 3 in order. 2. More strong immunoreactivity for transglutaminase 1, 2, 3 were detected in the renal tubule than the renal glomerulus. 3. The strong immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the capsule, brush border of proximal convoluted tubule and collecting duct and thin limb of Henle's loop. The functional implications of these findings are presently unknown. However, based on its wide distribution in the renal tubule, certain essential role of these enzymes in maintaining the electrolytes balance may be suggested.