New aspects of renal potassium transport.
The kidney's major role in potassium (K) homeostasis depends on its ability to respond effectively to changes in external K balance and to stabilize the extracellular concentration of K. The correction of deviations from normal plasma K levels and the maintenance of external K balance depend on the intrinsic ability of distal nephron segments to either secrete or reabsorb K. Net K secretion occurs mainly in principal cells while K absorption takes place in intercalated cells. Studies on single tubules and principal and intercalated cells have defined the determinants of K secretion and reabsorption including the electrochemical driving forces, specific carriers, ATPases, and K channels. Recent studies on the properties and molecular identity of renal K channels have also contributed significantly to understanding the renal mechanisms that transport and regulate K excretion.
Giebisch
Gerhard
G
Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA. Gerhard.giebisch@yale.edu
Hebert
Steven C
SC
Wang
Wen-Hui
WH
D000818:Animals; D001692:Biological Transport; D006706:Homeostasis; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000652:urine; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying
D015221:Potassium Channels; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D011188:Potassium