Immunohistochemical Localization and Gene Expression of Carbonic Anhydrase Isoenzymes CA-II and CA-VI in Canine Lower Airways and Lung

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The immunohistolocalization and gene expression of carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoenzymes CA-II and CA-VI in the canine lower airways and lung were examined using specific canine CA-II and CA-VI antisera and the RT-PCR method. Laryngeal, tracheal and bronchial epithelia, serous acinar and bronchiolar secretory cells and pulmonary great alveolar cells showed immunopositive reactions to anti-CA-II and anti-CA-VI antisera. However, all mucous cells showed immunonegative reactions. The physiological roles of CA-II and CA-VI in the lower airways and lung may involve the maintenance of pH balance and the protection of mucosal surfaces against the acidic milieu.KEY WORDS: canine respiratory tract, carbonic anhydrase, immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR.

Soluble adenylyl cyclase in health and disease

“…CAII and CA IV have been found in the canine airway epithelium, at different locations between the larynx and the alveolar compartment. While CAII is fairly evenly distributed in all compartments, CA IV expression is high in the laryngeal area and also prominent in the intrathoracic airways, mostly in the area of the carina and the lobar bronchi [43]. …”