Tamm-Horsfall protein in kidneys of human embyros and foreign species

Abstract

Antiserum to Tamm-Horsfall (TH) urinary protein was prepared in rabbits by immunizing them with the protein purified from normal human urine. By immunofluorescent staining of adult human kidney sections, the TH protein was located in the distal convoluted tubules and the loops of Henle. Human embryos from 8 weeks of age to full term were then examined for the protein, and it was present in embryos of all ages, occurring in the same location as in adult kidney. Kidneys from foreign species of vertebrates were also studied for tubular material crossreacting with the antibody to the human protein. Tamm-Horsfall protein was identified by this means in the kidneys of all the placental mammals tested, but in no other class of vertebrates. Antiserum to Tamm-Horsfall (TH) urinary protein was prepared in rabbits by immunizing them with the protein purified from normal human urine. By immunofluorescent staining of adult human kidney sections, the TH protein was located in the distal convoluted tubules and the loops of Henle. Human embryos from 8 weeks of age to full term were then examined for the protein, and it was present in embryos of all ages, occurring in the same location as in adult kidney. Kidneys from foreign species of vertebrates were also studied for tubular material crossreacting with the antibody to the human protein. Tamm-Horsfall protein was identified by this means in the kidneys of all the placental mammals tested, but in no other class of vertebrates.