Cellular distribution of AQP1, AQP2, and AQP3 in ureter and urinary bladder of goats in different seasons

Abstract

Aquaporins (AQP) are transmembrane proteins that function as channels for water molecules' movement. It is conserved across bacteria, plants and animals. It helps in thermoregulation during extreme climatic conditions. So, this study focuses on the expression of AQP1, AQP2 and AQP3 in the ureter and bladder tissues of goat (Capra hircus) during winter, spring and summer seasons. The study was conducted on goats (n=30) to investigate the expression of AQP (water channels) in ureter and urinary bladder and metabolic and hormonal influence by aquaporins. mRNAs were isolated from ureter and urinary bladder tissues and cDNA were synthesized for RT-PCR expression studies. Biochemical parameters were studied in the blood samples. AQP1 mRNA expression was non-significant in goat ureters but considerably greater (p<0.05) in the urine bladder during summer compared to winter. During the summer, both ureter and urinary bladder tissue samples showed increased expression of AQP2 and AQP3. Aquaporins 3 had significantly greater (p<0.05) mRNA expression in the ureter and urine bladder than Aquaporins 1 and 2 throughout the summer season. The significant (p<0.05) increase in physiological responses, haematological counts and blood biochemical components seen in goats throughout the summer season. Finally, it concludes that AQP and their role in thermotolerance and direct association with effective water balance mechanisms in the body via expression of AQP in different extreme climatic conditions.