Expression of the VLA Family of Integrins in the Renal Glomerulus

The expression of glomerular extracellular matrix receptors of the very late antigen (VLA) family was examined in the human renal glomerulus by indirect immunofluorescence studies. β1 subunits of integrin were localized in glomerular epithelial, endothelial and mesangial cells and Bowman's capsule. α 3 integrin was localized dominantly in the glomerular capillary wall and less in the mesangium and Bowman's capsule. α2, α4 and α5 integrins were barely stained in the glomerulus. Our findings indicate that the VLA family of integrins plays an important role in the attachment of glomerular cells to the extracellular matrices.