Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: ClC4

Title: Function of chloride channels in the kidney.

Authors: Shinichi Uchida, Sei Sasaki

Journal, date & volume: Annu. Rev. Physiol., 2005 , 67, 759-78

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15709977

Abstract
Numerous Cl- channels have been identified in the kidney using physiological approaches and thus are thought to be involved in a range of physiological processes, including vectorial transepithelial Cl- transport, cell volume regulation, and vesicular acidification. In addition, expression of genes from several Cl- channel gene families has also been observed. However, the molecular characteristics of a number of Cl- channels within the kidney are still unknown, and the physiological roles of Cl- channels identified by molecular means remain to be determined. A gene knockout approach using mice might shed further light on the characteristics of these various Cl- channels. In addition, study of diseases involving Cl- channels (channelopathies) might clarify the physiological role of specific Cl- channels. To date, more is known about CLC Cl- channels than any other Cl- channels within the kidney. This review focuses on the physiological roles of CLC Cl- channels within the kidney, particularly kidney-specific ClC-K Cl- channels, as well as the recently identified maxi anion channel in macula densa, which is involved in tubulo-glomerular feedback.