Abstract
Melatonin receptors in the human fetal kidney were identified and characterized by quantitative in vitro autoradiography using the melatonin agonist, 2-[I-125]iodomelatonin. Specific binding was localized to cells in the nephrogenic region at the outer perimeter of the developing kidney and was time-dependent, saturable and inhibited in the presence of guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) indicative of a G protein-coupled receptor. Expression of the Mel1a and Mel1b melatonin receptors in human fetal kidney was determined using RT-PCR. In situ hybridization confirmed the localization of the Mel1a mRNA transcripts. A role for melatonin in development of the human fetal kidney is postulated.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 261-267 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Endocrinology |
Volume | 156 |
Issue number | 2 |
Publication status | Published - Feb 1998 |
Keywords
- photoperiod
- localization
- rhythm
- sheep
- fetus