Immunocytochemical localization of epidermal growth factor in mouse kidney.

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was originally isolated from mouse submandibular glands (SMG). However, SMG removal failed to lower circulating EGF, and large amounts of EGF have been found in mouse urine. In addition, the presence of pre-pro-EGF mRNA in mouse kidney has recently been reported by others. Kidneys may therefore represent an alternate source of EGF. In the present study, we investigated the immunocytochemical localization of EGF in mouse kidney. Male and female adult Swiss Webster mice were fixed by perfusion with 4% paraformaldehyde or Zamboni's fixative, the kidneys were frozen, and serial sections were obtained. Rabbit EGF antiserum was used for the primary incubation and the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase procedure was utilized for immunostaining. EGF was immunolocalized in the apical portion of the cells lining the thick ascending limb of Henle (TALH) and the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The macula densa, in contrast, lacked EGF immunoreactivity. No sex differences were observed in the distribution pattern or intensity of immunostaining. Infusion of EGF into sheep renal artery has been reported to induce changes in urine flow and ionic composition. Immunolocalization of EGF in the TALH and DCT documented here supports a regulatory role for EGF in the function of the mouse distal nephron.