Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Kv7.1

Title: [K+ channels and lung epithelial physiology]

Authors: Olivier Bardou, Thu Ngan Trinh Nguyen, Emmanuelle Brochiero

Journal, date & volume: Med Sci (Paris), 2009 Apr , 25, 391-7

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19409192

Abstract
Transcripts of more than 30 different K(+) channels have been detected in the respiratory epithelium lining airways and alveoli. These channels belong to the 3 main classes of K(+) channels, i.e. i) voltage-dependent or calcium-activated, 6 transmembrane segments (TM), ii) 2-pores 4-TM and iii) inward-rectified 2-TM channels. The physiological and functional significance of this high molecular diversity of lung epithelial K(+) channels is not well understood. Surprisingly, relatively few studies are focused on K(+) channel function in lung epithelial physiology. Nevertheless, several studies have shown that KvLQT1, KCa and K(ATP) K(+) channels play a crucial role in ion and fluid transport, contributing to the control of airway and alveolar surface liquid composition and volume. K(+) channels are involved in other key functions, such as O(2) sensing or the capacity of the respiratory epithelia to repair after injury. This mini-review aims to discuss potential functions of lung K(+) channels.