Thick ascending limb: the Na(+):K (+):2Cl (-) co-transporter, NKCC2, and the calcium-sensing receptor, CaSR.

Gerardo Gamba, Peter A Friedman

Journal: Pflugers Archiv : European journal of physiology 2009;458(1):61-76

PMID: 18982348

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Abstract

The thick ascending limb of Henle's loop is a nephron segment that is vital to the formation of dilute and concentrated urine. This ability is accomplished by a consortium of functionally coupled proteins consisting of the apical Na(+):K(+):2Cl(-) co-transporter, the K(+) channel, and basolateral Cl(-) channel that mediate electroneutral salt absorption. In thick ascending limbs, salt absorption is importantly regulated by the calcium-sensing receptor. Genetic or pharmacological disruption impairing the function of any of these proteins results in Bartter syndrome. The thick ascending limb is also an important site of Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) absorption. Calcium-sensing receptor activation inhibits cellular Ca(2+) absorption induced by parathyroid hormone, as well as passive paracellular Ca(2+) transport. The present review discusses these functions and their genetic and molecular regulation.

Address: Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1007/s00424-008-0607-1