Expression of SARS-CoV functional receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in nephritic epithelium of primates / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM:To investigate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in nephritic epithelium of primates. METHODS:The expression of ACE2 in Vero E6 cells was detected by the techniques of RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry (ICC) techniques. The distribution of ACE2 protein in kidney tissues of two Rhesus monkeys and two normal human cases was observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) techniques. RESULTS:Vero E6 cells were found to express both ACE2 mRNA and protein. ACE2 protein was mainly located in epithelium of proximal tubules of Rhesus monkey and human kidney. CONCLUSION:The expression of ACE2 in epithelium of primate kidney may provide the condition for SARS-CoV entry,which may be one of the reasons for inducing renal damage in SARS patients.