ABSTRACT. Calcium transporter genes, such as transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V members 5/6 (TRPV5/6), Na + /Ca 2+ exchanger 1 (NCX1), and plasma membrane calcium-transporting ATPase 1b (PMCA1b), are essential for maintaining homeostasis and metabolizing Ca 2+ ions. The TRPV5 and TRPV6 proteins play an important role in Ca 2+ absorption, and NCX1 and PMCA1b are both critical for intracellular calcium homeostasis. In this study, the tissue-specific mRNA and protein expression of these calcium transporter genes in the duodenum, kidney and heart of the horse (Equus caballus) was examined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The tissue localization of these calcium transporters was also investigated using immunohistochemistry. The results showed that TRPV5 mRNA was highly expressed in the kidney but was scarce in the duodenum and heart. TRPV6 mRNA levels were similar in all the tissues. NCX1 and PMCA1b were both highly expressed in the heart, but no difference in NCX1 and PMCA1b mRNA expressions was observed in the duodenum and kidney. The aspect of protein expression was similar with mRNA expression data. Localization of calcium transporter genes were detected enterocytes in duodenum, the distal convoluted tubules in the kidney, and within the cardiac muscle cells of the heart. Based on these results, calcium transport genes appear to be expressed in horse tissues at levels similar to those observed in other vertebrates.KEY WORDS: calcium transporter gene, equine, NCX1, PMCA1b, TRPV.J. Vet. Med. Sci. 73(11): 1437-1444, 2011 Calcium is important for the overall maintenance of living organisms and is critical for strengthening bones, neurotransmitter release, and muscle contractions. It also functions as a second messenger, activates intracellular signaling, contraction and blood clotting and so on. Calcium deficiency results in symptoms such as muscle pain, muscle spasms, indigestion, diarrhea, an irregular menstrual cycle, pale skin, and listlessness. Deficiency can also result in osteoporosis, osteomalacia, rickets, and anemia [36]. Problems can also stem from absorbing too much calcium, including the formation of kidney stones, constipation and loss of appetite, nausea, seizures and even coma. Excess calcium retention can also lead to decreased absorption of other minerals [1]. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate calcium concentration is essential.The regulation of calcium concentration is controlled by three factors: parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, and calcitonin. The main role of PTH is to elevate blood calcium levels when required. PTH release causes the gastrointestinal tract to absorb more calcium, and it also triggers the release of calcium stored in bones and stimulates the kidney to excrete more phosphorous [41]. Vitamin D works in concert with PTH in bone and the kidneys and is necessary for intestinal calcium absorption [24]. The role of calcitonin is opposite to that of PTH, i.e., it decreases the calcium concentration in...