Distribution of DMT 1 within the human glandular system

• R.O. Koch ^[2] ; H. Zoller ^[2] ; I. Theurl ^[2] ; P. Obrist ^[1] ; G. Egg ^[2] ; W. Strohmayer ^[3] ; W. Vogel ^[2] ; G. Weiss ^[2]
  1. [1] University of Innsbruck

     University of Innsbruck

     Innsbruck, Austria

     
  2. [2] University Hospital of Innsbruck, Austria
  3. [3] Institute for Experimental Traumatology, Vienna, Austria

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• Localización: Histology and histopathology: cellular and molecular biology, ISSN-e 1699-5848, ISSN 0213-3911, Vol. 18, Nº. 4, 2003, págs. 1095-1101
• Idioma: inglés
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  • Background & Aims: DMT1 is a transmembrane protein which transports the divalent metal ions Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+. Although DMT1 has been functionally linked to duodenal absorption and cellular utilisation of iron hardly anything is known about its distribution and potential role within the human glandular system. Methods: Two polyclonal antibodies were raised to study the expression of DMT1 in tissues obtained from human corpus by the means of immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Results: All antibodies specifically detected a 60 kD protein band referring to human DMT1. Significant amounts of DMT1 expression were detected on the luminal site of organs, which are involved in excretion/re-absorption processes, such as salivary glands, pancreas, biliary tract and gallbladder. Conclusions: Our results suggest that DMT1 may be of pivotal importance for the regulation of metal ion homeostasis within organs involved in absorption and excretion of ions.