The immunohistochemical demonstration of major histocompatibility antigens in the human kidney using monoclonal antibodies.

The distribution of HLA-ABC and DR antigens in human kidneys was studied using monoclonal antibodies to monomorphic determinants and a 4-layer immunoperoxidase technique applied to frozen and paraffin sections. Enzyme digested paraffin sections provided the best localization. HLA-ABC antigens were located on all renal endothelium, Bowman's capsule and in proximal tubules. HLA-DR antigen was restricted to capillary and venous endothelium plus, at low density, in proximal tubules. Minor differences in distribution were found with different monoclonal antibodies, but dendritic cells were not detected using monoclonal antibodies to HLA-ABC, HLA-DR or leukocyte-common antigens.