We report the identification of an invertebrate Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter, NKCC. As a model system, we used the immune cells (coelomocytes) of the Mediterranean sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus. These cells are particularly interesting because they can be activated to undergo a rapid and dynamic change in cell shape. We demonstrate that forskolin, a cyclic AMP agonist known to regulate NK...

PURPOSE Experiments were conducted to test whether protein kinase C activation causes changes in active sodium-potassium transport in an established SV-40 transformed line (ODM2) of cultured human nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells. METHODS Rubidium-86 (86Rb) uptake was measured and the data used to determine the rate of potassium entry into the cells. RESULTS Protein kinase C activator,...

characterization of a calcium-sensing receptor mutation in severe autosomal dominant hypocalcemia with a Bartter-like syndrome. Association between activating mutations of calcium-sensing receptor and Bartter's syndrome. Lifton RP. Bartter's syndrome, hypokalemic alkalosis with hypercalciuria, is caused by mutations in the Na–K–2Cl cotransporter NKCC2. variant of Bartter's syndrome, inherited h...

Na+/K+-ATPase has been shown to regulate the sweating and cutaneous vascular responses during exercise; however, similar studies have not been conducted to assess the roles of the Na-K-2Cl co-transporter (NKCC) and K+ channels. Additionally, it remains to be determined if these mechanisms underpinning the heat loss responses differ with exercise intensity. Eleven young (24 ± 4 years) males perf...

Teleost fishes are able to acclimatize to seawater by secreting excess NaCl by means of specialized "ionocytes" in the gill epithelium. Antibodies against Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase (NKA) have been used since 1996 as a marker for identifying branchial ionocytes. Immunohistochemistry of NKA by itself and in combination with Na(+)/K(+)/2Cl(-) cotransporter and CFTR Cl(-) channel provided convincing eviden...

A MAJOR FUNCTION OF THE KIDNEY is to maintain body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Pressure natriuresis is a renal phenomenon that contributes to the long-term regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and ultimately arterial blood pressure control. The basic phenomenon is that the kidney increases sodium excretion in response to an increase in renal perfusion pressure. A number of studies...

GH is known to play an important role in both growth promotion and osmoregulation in vertebrates. We have shown that amphioxus possesses a single GH-like hormone (GHl) gene encoding a functional protein capable of promoting growth. However, if GHl can mediate osmoregulation remains open. Here, we demonstrated clearly that GHl increased not only the survival rate of amphioxus but also the muscle...

Absorption and secretion of ions in gastrointestinal and other epithelial tissues require the concerted activities of ion pumps, channels, symporters, and exchangers, which operate in coupled systems to mediate transepithelial transport. Our understanding of the identities, membrane locations, and biochemical activities of epithelial ion transporters has advanced significantly in recent years, ...

It has been demonstrated previously that ureteral obstruction was associated with downregulation of renal AQP2 expression and an impaired urinary concentrating capacity (Li C, Wang W, Kwon TH, Isikay L, Wen JG, Marples D, Djurhuus JC, Stockwell A, Knepper MA, Nielsen S, and Frøkiaer J. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 281: F163-F171, 2001). In the present study, changes in the expression of major ren...