Dicer suppression is associated with downregulation of AQP2, NKCC2 and lower density of collecting ducts.

Abstract

<p>Representative pictures of the inner stripe of the outer medulla of control (A, C) and Dicer cKO (B, D) mice double labeled with anti-AQP2 (green) and anti-H⁺ATPase (red) antibodies. At P50, Dicer cKO mice (D) showed no alteration in the distribution pattern of principal (AQP2 +) and intercalated cells (H⁺ATPase +), but a lower density of collecting ducts compared to the controls (C). (A-D) Magnification 40X. (E) Western blot analysis for AQP2 and NKCC2 expression at P30 (upper) and P50 (lower) of samples of IM and ISOM, respectively. AQP2 expression is significantly downregulated in Dicer cKO mice compared to Ctr at P50. NKCC2 expression is significantly downregulated in Dicer cKO mice compared to Ctr at P30 and P50. Data are expressed as mean ± sem; n power is 5 vs 5. *** is for p value < 0.001.</p