Distribution of kallikrein-binding protein mRNA in kidneys and difference between SHR and WKY rats.

We investigated kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) mRNA distribution in the kidney of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and Wistar-Kyoto strain (WKY) rats. Northern blot analysis revealed that KBP mRNA was located mainly in the medulla and with lower amounts in SHR than in WKY rats. KBP mRNA in microdissected nephron segments was detected by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by Southern blot analysis. In SD rats, the most abundant signals were consistently found in inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD), with small amounts in outer medullary collecting duct, proximal convoluted tubule, and glomerulus. No signals were found in connecting tubule and cortical collecting duct. The nephron distribution of KBP mRNA was similar in WKY and SD rats. Only a small amount of signal was found, however, in IMCD of SHR. In conclusion, 1) KBP mRNA was predominantly distributed in the medullary segments of the distal nephron, downstream from the known kallikrein activity site in the collecting duct, and 2) KBP mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the kidney of SHR.