Roles of Na-K-2Cl and Na-Cl cotransporters and ROMK potassium channels in urinary concentrating mechanism

Abstract

The cloning of the apical transport proteins involved in NaCl absorption in the thick ascending limb of Henle and the distal convoluted tubule has ushered in a new era that promises to provide molecular details of the urinary concentrating and diluting processes. We now have at hand tools to examine the regulation of these proteins that can affect the concentrating and diluting capacity.