Expression and Localization of Renal Endothelin-1, Endotehlin Receptors and Endothelin Converting Enzyme in Human Renal Biopsy with Rejection after Kidney Transplantation

Endothelin (ET-1) is a potent renal and systemic vasoconstrictor and sodium regulating peptide. Endothelin synthesis in the kidney have been reported in glomerulus endothelial, epithelial and mesangial cells as well as in inner medullary collecting duct. Factors stimulating the production of endothelin include shear stress, hypoxia, vasoactive agents and cytokines. Endothelin binding to ET-A receptor in vascular smooth muscle cells stimulates vasoconstriction.Renal graft rejection is a major problem after kidney transplantation with severe renal damage and renal vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that renal tissue level of endothelin-1, endothelin receptors and endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) may increase in renal tissue with rejection after kidney transplantation. Therefore, the current study was designed to determine the endothelin-1 and endothelin receptors (ET-A and ET-B) as well as endothelin converting enzyme level by immunohistochemical staining (IHCS) in human renal tissue with rejection after kidney transplantation.