ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Four platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) family members have been identified; the classical PDGFs, PDGF-A and PDGF-B, and the novel PDGFs, PDGF-C and PDGF-D, which were only recently discovered. METHODS: The present study was designed to determine the changes of the platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) subtypes (C & D) and their receptors (PDGFR)-alpha & beta expression in kidneys during pre- and postnatal development. RESULTS: All the protein levels of PDGFR-alpha and -beta and the mRNA levels of PDGF-C and D were high in kidneys during the prenatal period and decreased differently during the postnatal period. PDGFR-alpha was expressed in the interstitial space at embryo day 18. PDGFR-beta protein were expressed in metanephric blastema at embryo day 18. PDGF-C mRNA was expressed in metanephric blastema, developing glomerulus at embryo 18 day and in collecting duct at postnatal day 7. PDGF-D mRNA was expressed in the parietal and vesceral epithelial cells during pre and postnatal period. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the PDGF subtypes (C & D) and their receptors (PDGFR-alpha & -beta) are differently expressed in the kidney during the prenatal and postnatal period.