Immunolocalization of calcitriol receptor, 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450, and calbindin D_28k in human kidney

The precise localization of the calcitriol (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃) receptor (VDR) and the 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ [25(OH)D₃] 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 in the human kidney is unknown. Using newly developed polyclonal antibodies against the human VDR, we demonstrate that the receptor is present in cells of the distal tubule, the collecting duct, the proximal tubule, and in the parietal epithelial cells of the glomerulus. In the distal tubule and collecting duct not all cells contain epitopes for the receptor. The protein is not detected in glomerular capillaries, in the glomerular mesangium, in the interstitium, or in blood vessels. Specific polyclonal antibodies directed against the 25(OH)D₃ 24-hydroxylase cytochrome P-450 demonstrate epitopes for the cytochrome in cells of the proximal tubule, the distal tubule, glomerular parietal epithelial cells, and mesangial cells. The protein is absent from interstitial cells. Calbindin D_28k is present exclusively in principal cells of the distal tubule and collecting duct. In the human kidney, the VDR is present in cells where vitamin D-inducible proteins are found; conversely it is absent from cells where vitamin D-dependent proteins are not present.