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Mechanism of sodium chloride reabsorption in the ascending thin limb of Henle's loop

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Summary

The ascending thin limb of Henle's loop has been one of the most mysterious nephron segments because of the unique characteristics of its NaCl and water transport systems. The ascending thin limb is essentially impermeable to water under all circumstances. The majority of luminal sodium ions (Na+) are reabsorbed across the shallow tight junction between the ascending thin limb cells, as the apical membrane of the ascending thin limb is impermeable to Na+. Intracellular Na+ activity is maintained at a low level by a ouabain-sensitive Na+/K+-ATPase. Intracellular pH is maintained by an amiloridesensitive sodium ion-hydrogen ion (Na+/H+) antiporter, which depends on calmodulin. Intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+) activity is maintained at a low level by a calmodulin-sensitive Ca2+ pump and a dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channel. In the ascending thin limb, Cl− is reabsorbed across the Cl− channels in both the luminal and basolateral membranes. This channel is sensitive to various anion transport inhibitors. Chloride ion transport in the ascending thin limb is also sensitive to intra- and extracellular pH. Physiologic regulation of the Cl− channel by the vasopressin V2 receptor has been identified. Our studies have elucidated the precise mechanism of NaCl transport in the ascending thin limb, and suggest that this countercurrent exchange system in the ascending thin limb is not effected by any energy-dependent process, but occurs as passive simple diffusion of Na+ via tight junctions as a result of facilitated transport of Cl− across the cell membranes.

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  1. Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University School of Medicine, 1-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, 980, Sendai, Japan

    Yoshiaki Kondo

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Kondo, Y. Mechanism of sodium chloride reabsorption in the ascending thin limb of Henle's loop. Clin Exper Neph 1, 67–75 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02479904

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