title: Aquaporins in secretory glands and their role in Sjögren's syndrome.
abstract: Salivary, lacrimal and pancreatic secretions are known to account for multiple physiological functions. These exocrine secretions are watery fluids containing electrolytes, and a mixture of proteins, and can be stimulated by a number of agonists. Since water movement is involved in exocrine secretion, aquaporins (AQPs) have been hypothesised to contribute to fluid production in exocrine glands. This chapter will focus on the expression, localisation and function of AQPs in salivary and lacrimal glands and pancreas. The role of multiple water and ion transporters and channels in exocrine fluid secretion will also be reviewed. Finally, this chapter will address the potential role of AQPs in Sjögren's syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biological Chemistry and Nutrition, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bat G/E CP611, 808 Route de Lennik, Brussels, B-1070, Belgium. cdelport@ulb.ac.be
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Delporte
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020346:Aquaporins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005088:Exocrine Glands / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism; D010179:Pancreas / Q000378:metabolism; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000378:metabolism; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014867:Water / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D020346:Aquaporins; D014867:Water