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Epithelial Fluid Transport--A Century of Investigation
1Section on Transport Physiology, Laboratory of Kidney and Electrolyte Metabolism, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1603, USA.
Abstract:
Our current understanding of the mechanism of fluid transport by epithelia relies upon mathematical models developed 30 years ago to explain the mechanism of solute-solvent coupling and the pathways taken by water across an epithelium. The validity of these models is reconsidered in light of recent findings, and it is concluded that a simple three-compartment model system is adequate to explain fluid absorption and secretion by epithelia.