A crucial nephron segment in acid-base and electrolyte transport: the connecting tubule.
The cortical distal nephron is a heterogenous structure where the fine regulation of electrolyte and water balance takes place. Among the other segments, previous reports have emphasized the importance of the connecting tubule in sodium and potassium renal handling. Kovacikova et al. report that the connecting tubule is also the major segment in electrogenic urinary acidification, thus reinforcing the central role of this segment in overall electrolyte transport.
Capasso
G
G
Department of Internal Medicine, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. gb.capasso@unina2.it
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D053503:Epithelial Sodium Channels / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007686:Kidney Tubules, Distal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D009399:Nephrons / Q000502:physiology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism; D012964:Sodium / Q000378:metabolism; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology*
D053503:Epithelial Sodium Channels; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium