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Sodium transporters in the distal nephron and disease implications

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Abstract

The post-macula densa segments of the renal tubule—that is, the distal convoluted tubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct—play a central role in determining final urine sodium excretion. The major regulated sodium transporters and channels in these cell types include the thiazide-sensitive (Na-Cl) cotransporter (NCC), the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC), and Na-K-ATPase. Furthermore, although not involved in sodium reabsorption, the anion exchanger, pendrin, and the basolateral bumetanide-sensitive Na-K-2Cl cotransporter (NKCC1 or BSC2) have roles in blood-volume maintenance. Mutations in several of these major sodium transporters, channel subunits, and their regulatory proteins have been linked to human diseases such as Liddle’s syndrome, Gitelman’s syndrome, and Gordon’s syndrome, emphasizing the need for appropriate regulation of sodium at these sites for maintenance of sodium balance and normotension.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Box 571412, 20057-1412, Washington, DC, USA

    Carolyn A. Ecelbarger PhD

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  1. Carolyn A. Ecelbarger PhD
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  2. Swasti Tiwari PhD
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Correspondence to Carolyn A. Ecelbarger PhD.

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Ecelbarger, C.A., Tiwari, S. Sodium transporters in the distal nephron and disease implications. Current Science Inc 8, 158–165 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-006-0013-z

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