[Regulation of ion conductance in the cortical collecting duct]

In the following, factors will be discussed which regulate the ionic conductances of the luminal membrane of principal cells of the cortical collecting duct. Transport of sodium and potassium, which is mediated via selective sodium- and potassium-channels, is chronically or acutely adjusted to the needs of the salt balance by the hormones aldosterone and adiuretin. In addition, the potassium conductance and thus potassium secretion can be modified by the cellular pH, which results in a direct and reciprocal coupling between potassium and proton excretion in the cortical collecting duct.