The renal plumbing system: aquaporin water channels

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2005 Aug;62(15):1692-706. doi: 10.1007/s00018-005-4549-x.

Abstract

Aquaporins are channels that facilitate movement of water across lipid bilayers. They are expressed in multiple tissues and are essential for regulation of body water homeostasis. The kidney is the main organ responsible for this regulation, and at least seven aquaporins are expressed at distinct sites in the kidney. Aquaporin expression correlates with observed water permeability of each nephron segment: proximal tubule and descending thin limb of Henle have constitutive high water permeability due to expression of AQP1, whereas collecting duct water permeability is tightly regulated by the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin via regulation of AQP2. This review aims at providing insight into renal aquaporins, with special focus on AQP2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquaporin 2
  • Aquaporins / analysis
  • Aquaporins / chemistry
  • Aquaporins / metabolism
  • Aquaporins / physiology*
  • Body Water / metabolism*
  • Diabetes Insipidus / genetics
  • Humans
  • Kidney / chemistry
  • Kidney / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Vasopressins / physiology

Substances

  • AQP2 protein, human
  • Aqp2 protein, mouse
  • Aquaporin 2
  • Aquaporins
  • Vasopressins