The inhibition of several
chemokine/
chemokine receptors has been shown to reduce progressive renal interstitial
fibrosis. In this study, we examined the expression of the
CX(3)C receptor in human renal biopsies with interstitial
fibrosis and from normal kidneys by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry. The
CX(3)C receptor was not only detected in mononuclear, tubular epithelial, and dendritic cells but also in alpha-smooth muscle actin and
vimentin-positive interstitial myofibroblasts in fibrotic kidneys. Real-time PCR indicated a significant upregulation of
CX(3)C receptor mRNA in fibrotic kidneys compared with non-fibrotic nephropathies or donor biopsies. In renal fibroblasts in vitro,
hydrogen peroxide increased the expression of the
CX(3)C receptor, an increase that was inhibited by
N-acetylcysteine and
catalase. However, neither proinflammatory nor profibrotic
cytokines resulted in this upregulation. Stimulation of fibroblasts by CX(3)C
ligand led to a significant enhancement of migration, which was abrogated by pre-incubation with a blocking anti-CX(3)C receptor antibody. Our studies indicate that renal
fibrosis is associated with the expression of CX(3)C receptors on human renal fibroblasts. The expression is induced by
reactive oxygen species suggesting a role of oxidative stress.