Fig 2: Endogenous expression and localization of vasopressin receptors in HCT8 cells. (A) An equal amount of proteins (60 µg) of total homogenates from HCT8 cells were blotted and probed with the indicated antibodies. Immunodetection revealed that V1aR and V2R are expressed in this cell model. Mouse kidney homogenates were used as a positive control. (B) Representative confocal images of immunofluorescence studies show that HCT8 cells express V1aR and V2R endogenously. Bar = 10 µm.

Fig 3: Expression of Vasopressin receptors and AQP3 in human colon biopsy. Equal amount of proteins (20 µg) of total homogenates from human colon biopsies were blotted and probed with the indicated antibodies. (A) Immunodetection revealed that V1aR protein expression is significantly decreased in tumors compared to the normal colon mucosa. (B–C) Immunodetection revealed that V2R and AQP3 protein expression is not altered in human colon adenocarcinoma. Data are shown as mean ± S.E.M. and analyzed by Student’s t-test (**p < 0.01 vs. normal colon mucosa).

Fig 4: Vasopressin receptors and AQP3 gene expression in human colon carcinoma biopsies. Real-Time PCR was performed as described in the methods (A) Real-time PCR experiments show that the V1aR expression is significantly downregulated in the tumor biopsies compared with the corresponding healthy mucosa. (B–C) No relevant changes were found in the expression of V2R and AQP3. Data are shown as mean ± S.E.M. and analyzed by Student’s t-test (*p < 0.05 vs. untreated).