Vasopressin V2 receptor expression along rat, mouse, and human renal epithelia with focus on TAL

In renal epithelia, vasopressin influences salt and water transport, chiefly via vasopressin V2 receptors (V2Rs) linked to adenylyl cyclase. A combination of vasopressin-induced effects along several distinct portions of the nephron and collecting duct system may help balance the net effects of antidiuresis in cortex and medulla. Previous studies of the intrarenal distribution of V2Rs have been inconclusive with respect to segment- and cell-type-related V2R expression. Our study therefore aimed to present a high-resolution analysis of V2R mRNA expression in rat, mouse, and human kidney epithelia, supplemented with immunohistochemical data. Cell types of the renal tubule were identified histochemically using specific markers. Pronounced V2R signal in thick ascending limb (TAL) was corroborated functionally; phosphorylation of Na+-K+-2Cl− cotransporter type 2 (NKCC2) was established in cultured TAL cells from rabbit and in rats with diabetes insipidus that were treated with the V2R agonist desmopressin. We ...