Immunohistochemical localisation of renal cyclooxygenase-1 expression in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-treated mice.

The utility of cyclooxygenase-inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is limited by unwanted side effects that include disturbances in renal function. In order to further understand the mechanisms that underlie these renal side effects, the expression of the prostaglandin-synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) was examined by immunohistochemical methods in murine kidneys after treatment with indomethacin, a non-selective inhibitor or nimesulide, an inhibitor that preferentially and selectively blocks the COX-2 isoform of the enzyme. In untreated control kidneys, COX-1 protein was expressed in the glomeruli and parietal cells of the glomerular capsule, epithelial cells of the proximal and distal convoluted tubules including the juxtaglomerular region, and the collecting ducts.