Importance of aquaporins in the physiopathology of brain edema

Abstract

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channels that mediate the efficient movement of water across the membrane. Among different AQPs, AQP4 is the predominant water channel in the brain and is thought to play a significant role in the physiopathology of brain edema. Brain edema is a major clinical problem since it largely accounts for the cause of death in patients suffering from traumatic brain injury or cerebrovascular accidents. In this review, we have tried to summarize comprehensive information about the pathological events conducting to brain edema. In addition, we also have summarized active investigation in the field of AQPs and cerebral edema to find plausible explanations and to deduce potential future directions for the treatment of this clinical condition.