[Expressions of IL-18Ralpha and IL-18Rbeta on rat primary renal tubular epithelial cells].

AIM: To detect the expressions of the IL-18Ralpha mRNA and IL-18Rbeta mRNA in primary rat renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). METHODS: The culture of primary RTECs was performed by renal tubular segment sticking mass method. The cellular type was identified by immunocytochemical staining. The IL-18Ralpha mRNA and IL-18Rbeta mRNA expressions in RTECs were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The result of immunocytochemical staining proved that the cultured cells were RTECs, IL-18Ralpha mRNA and IL-18Rbeta mRNA were detected in RTECs. CONCLUSION: IL-18Ralpha mRNA and IL-18Rbeta mRNA are expressed in RTECs, which provide the experimental basis for exploring IL-18R role in renal interstitial fibrosis.