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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli

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Published on: June 27, 2015

Endothelins and kidney acidification.

Donald E Wesson¹

¹Texas A&M Health Sciences Center College of Medicine, Scott and White Healthcare, Temple, Tex., USA.

Contributions to Nephrology

|September 7, 2011

Summary

Endothelins (ETs) enhance kidney acidification and tubule function, particularly during acid challenges or reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Increased kidney ET activity may also worsen chronic kidney disease progression.

Area of Science:

Nephrology
Physiology
Endocrinology

Background:

Endothelins (ETs) are known for vasoactivity but also impact kidney tubule transport.
ETs play a role in regulating kidney acidification.
Their role in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic alkalosis is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the physiological role of endothelins in kidney acidification.
To explore the pathophysiological consequences of increased kidney ET activity, especially in CKD.

Main Methods:

The study reviews existing literature on endothelins and kidney function.
Analysis of physiological and pathophysiological roles in various kidney conditions.

Main Results:

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Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli

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Two-photon Imaging of Intracellular Ca2+ Handling and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells of an Isolated Rat Aorta

Two-photon Imaging of Intracellular Ca²⁺ Handling and Nitric Oxide Production in Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells of an Isolated Rat Aorta

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Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease

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ETs enhance kidney acidification in response to acid loads.
ETs promote tubule acidification in conditions of reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), such as in CKD.
Elevated kidney ET activity is implicated in the progression of certain nephropathies and in metabolic alkalosis.

Conclusions:

Endothelins are critical regulators of kidney acidification.
Increased kidney ET activity may contribute to CKD progression and other kidney diseases.
Further research is needed to fully elucidate the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ETs in kidney health and disease.