POLYANION AND COMPLEMENT RECEPTOR OF GLOMERULAR EPITHELIUM - RELATIONSHIP TO PH

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  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 37  (5) , 453-458
Abstract
Two markers on the surface of glomerular epithelial cells were studied on human and rat tissue. The glomerular polyanion is a sialoglycoprotein present profusely on glomerular epithelial cell surfaces, and it is detected by binding with cationic dyes. This staining is lost after incubation in the pH range 3.8-4.4, yet retained at a more acidic or physiologic pH. A receptor for complement is also present on human glomerular epithelial cells. This receptor is also lost as a function of varying pH incubation and this loss parallels the pattern observed for glomerular polyanion. Neuraminidase treatment of renal tissue removes the sialic acid-dependent glomerular polyanion staining but preserves and stabilizes the complement receptor. Both functions are markers of the cell surface of glomerular epithelial cells and behave as peripheral membrane proteins.