Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters in the respiratory system of adult rat

Shun Nu Jin, Ga Hee Mun, Ju Hyun Lee, Chang Seok Oh, Jaehyup Kim, Yoon Hee Chung, Jae Seung Kang, Joong Gon Kim, Douk Ho Hwang, Young Il Hwang, Dong Hoon Shin, Wang Jae Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

As vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, VC) is known to be essential for many enzymatic reactions, the study on the transport mechanism of VC through cytoplasmic membrane is crucial to understanding physiological role of VC in cells and the respiratory system. In this regard, the study on the newly identified sodium-dependent VC transporters (SVCTs), SVCT1 and SVCT2, is required in organs that contain high concentration of VC. We have shown the distribution of SVCT proteins in the respiratory system, which has been reported to be one of the organs with a high concentration of VC, using immunohistochemical techniques. In the present study, intense SVCT immunoreactivities (IRs) were mainly localized in the respiratory system epithelial cells. In the trachea, both SVCT1 and 2 were localized in the psuedostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. In the terminal bronchiole, SVCT1 and 2 IRs were mainly observed in the apical portion of the simple columnar epithelium. In addition, SVCT IRs was localized within the cell membrane of some alveolar cells, even though we could not identify the exact cell types. These results provide the first evidence that intense SVCT1 and 2 IRs were found in the apical portion of the respiratory epithelial cells, suggesting that SVCT proteins in the apical portion could transport the reduced form of VC included in the airway surface liquid into the respiratory epithelial cells.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)360-367
Number of pages8
JournalMicroscopy Research and Technique
Volume68
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bronchiole
  • Lung
  • Rat
  • Sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs)
  • Trachea
  • Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Anatomy
  • Histology
  • Instrumentation
  • Medical Laboratory Technology

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