Thick ascending tubular cells in the loop of Henle: regulation of electrolyte homeostasis.
Renal medullary tubular cells in the loop of Henle have crucial importance for the regulation of homeostasis of the extracellular fluid. These cells receive limited amount of blood and oxygen, and are also constantly challenged by the hypertonic environment. The medullary tubular cells in the last part of the loop of Henle have one of the highest known contents of mitochondria of all mammalian cells, reflecting their need for oxidative metabolism in order to sustain high ATP production for active transepithelial electrolyte transport. The commonly used diureticum furosemide targets one of the transporters present in these tubular cells with resulting diuresis. Several pathological states are associated with altered function of the medullary tubular cells, and the nephrotoxic substances tacrolimus and cyclosporine act on these cells. The specific Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein is produced by medullary tubular cells. Alteration in the urinary excretion of this protein is used as marker of tubular damage.
Palm
Fredrik
F
Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Center, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 571, SE 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden. Fredrik.Palm@medcellbiol.uu.se
Carlsson
Per-Ola
PO
D000818:Animals; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008138:Loop of Henle / Q000166:cytology*
D004573:Electrolytes