Background & aims: DMT1 is a transmembrane protein which transports the divalent metal ions Fe2+, Zn2+, Cu2+ and Mn2+. Although DMT1 has been functionally linked to duodenal absorption and cellular utilisation of iron hardly anything is known about its distribution and potential role within the human glandular system.
Methods: Two polyclonal antibodies were raised to study the expression of DMT1 in tissues obtained from human corpus by the means of immunocytochemistry and Western blotting.
Results: All antibodies specifically detected a 60 kD protein band referring to human DMT1. Significant amounts of DMT1 expression were detected on the luminal site of organs, which are involved in excretion/re-absorption processes, such as salivary glands, pancreas, biliary tract and gallbladder.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that DMT1 may be of pivotal importance for the regulation of metal ion homeostasis within organs involved in absorption and excretion of ions.