Eleven-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta OHSD) protects the aldosterone receptor (MR) against its occupancy by glucocorticoid hormones. We examined the intrarenal distribution of 11 beta OHSD, as compared to that of MR. MR were localized in histological sections from rabbit kidney, using immunohistochemical methods with an anti-MR monoclonal antibody. 11 beta OHSD activity was measured in isolated tubular segments from rabbit, rat and mouse kidneys. Tubules were incubated in the presence of tritiated corticosterone (3H-B:2 x 10(-8)M). Then the rate of degradation of 3H-B into 3H-11-dehydrocorticosterone (3H-A) was determined by HPLC. MR was immunodetected in the distal tubule and the collecting duct. No positive staining was present in the proximal tubule. The conversion rate of 3H-B into 3H-A was high (approximately 80%) in the distal and collecting tubule. It was low in the proximal tubule (less than 15%) except in the rat (approximately 50%). These results indicate that MR and 11OHSD are colocalized along the mammalian nephron. This colocalization constitutes a strong argument in favor of the MR-protective role of 11 beta OHSD, and of a role of a defect of this enzyme in the genesis of some types of arterial hypertension.