engleski

Tamm-Horsfall protein in the study of renal disease

Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is a renal epithelial mucoprotein of high molecular mass (7x10-6 daltons) derived from the tubular cells of the ascending thick limb of Henle's loop. Under physiological conditions it is present in the human urine and represents a major component of urinary casts. Although the precise physiological function of THP has not been definitely elucidated, its specific locatlization and its chemical and physical properties suggest that it might play a role in the regulation of membrane transport of chloride ions and associated cations and that it may be involved in the pathologic processes of different renal diseases. Urinary excretion of THP appears to be fairly constant and no significant diurnal variations in the excretion of THP have been observed. Changes in the excretion of THP reflect pathological processes occurring in the ascending thick limb of Henle's loop. The exact pathobiochemical meaning of this finding has not been elucidated as yet. Results reported here indicate that the determination of excretion of THP could be useful in detecting damaged nephrons in various renal diseases. In renal diseases with obscure pathogenesis and in the treatment with toxic drugs, the measurement of THP may be helpful in early detecting of pathological processes in the nephron. The finding of antibodies to THP in sera of healthy persons represents challenge for further investigations.

Tamm-Horsfall protein; renal diseases; antibodies

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