Expression of nephrin, podocin, α-actinin-4 and α3-integrin in canine renal glomeruli.

The biological features of podocytes that contribute to the pathogenesis of proteinuria have not been investigated in dogs. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and localization of nephrin, podocin, α-actinin-4 and α3-integrin in canine renal glomeruli. Renal cortical tissue was collected from the kidneys of five normal adult beagles. Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy revealed specific expression and localization of the four proteins in canine glomeruli. Expression of genes encoding the four molecules in isolated glomeruli was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. The results of this study will permit future exploration of podocyte injury and its involvement in protein leakage from the capillary wall in canine glomerular diseases.