Role of BSP/bilirubin binding protein on p-aminohippurate transport in rat kidney

BSP/Bilirubin binding protein (BBBP) is a protein located on the sinusoidal membrane of the liver that transport several organic anions. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether BBBP is present in the kidney and its role in p-aminohippurate transport (PAH). Anti-BBBP antibodies inhibited PAH uptake in brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) and Na+-independent PAH uptake in basolateral membrane vesicles (BLMV). Western blot studies revealed positivity to antiBBBP antibodies in both BBMV and BLMV. So BBBP is also expressed in the kidneys and accounts, at least in part, for the renal tubular transport of PAH.