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Aquaporins

Aquaporins

Aquaporins or AQPs are a family of integral membrane proteins whose primary function is to transport water, while some called aquaglyceroporins also transport glycerol. In addition, aquaporins have also been suspected to be involved in transporting volatile substances, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia, across membranes. Such AQPs that act as gas channels are often highly expressed in cells involved in the gaseous exchange, such as red blood cells, epithelial cells, and pulmonary capillaries.

Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution

Physiology of the Genitourinary System III: Urine Concentration and Dilution

The kidneys concentrate or dilute urine to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Nephrons, particularly the loop of Henle, play a crucial role in this process through the countercurrent multiplication system. This system establishes a high osmolarity in the renal medulla, which is essential for water reabsorption. In the loop of Henle’s descending limb, water is reabsorbed into the surrounding medulla due to its permeability to water. In contrast, the ascending limb actively transports...

Reabsorption and Secretion in the DCT and Collecting Duct

Reabsorption and Secretion in the DCT and Collecting Duct

The early phase of the DCT manages the reabsorption of approximately 10-15% of filtered water, 5–10% of filtered sodium, and 5–10% of filtered chloride. This process is facilitated by Na+–Cl− symporters in apical membranes and sodium-potassium pumps, as well as Cl− leakage channels in basolateral membranes. The early DCT also stands out as a site where parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates calcium reabsorption, depending on the body's requirements.
The distal...

Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

Physiology of the Genitourinary System II: Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

The kidneys maintain homeostasis through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. Tubular reabsorption and secretion are crucial in forming urine and regulating electrolytes, water balance, and waste elimination.Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion ProcessesTubular reabsorption is the process that reclaims essential substances such as electrolytes, glucose, amino acids, and water from the glomerular filtrate back into the bloodstream. This is achieved through passive and active transport...

Regulation of Water Output

Regulation of Water Output

The human body predominantly expels water through the urinary system. On average, an individual generates around 1.5 liters of urine each day. This amount can fluctuate based on how well a person is hydrated, but a critical minimum quantity of urine must be produced to ensure the body's proper functioning. Daily, the kidneys remove 600 to 1200 milliosmoles of dissolved substances, effectively excreting excess minerals and water-soluble toxins such as creatinine, urea, and uric acid from the...

Introduction to Urinary System

Introduction to Urinary System

The urinary system consists of two kidneys, two ureters, the urinary bladder, and the urethra.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in the retroperitoneal space, on either side of the vertebral column, between the T12 and L3 vertebrae. They are partially protected by the rib cage and surrounded by perirenal fat, which provides cushioning. They are responsible for urine formation and play critical roles in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte levels, and hormone production. The ureters...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Culturing Primary Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

Culturing Primary Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

Published on: June 21, 2013

Aquaporins in Urinary System.

Zhiwei Qiu¹, Tao Jiang², Yingjie Li¹

¹State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|January 30, 2023

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Kidney aquaporins (AQPs) are vital for water transport and fluid reabsorption. Studying AQP knockout mice reveals their crucial roles in kidney function and disease, offering insights for future research.

Keywords:

Knockout mouse NDI Polyuria Urine concentrating mechanism Water

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Area of Science:

Nephrology
Molecular Biology
Physiology

Background:

The kidney expresses at least eight aquaporins (AQPs), including AQP1, AQP2, AQP3, AQP4, AQP5, AQP6, AQP7, AQP8, and AQP11.
These AQPs are localized in various kidney segments, such as proximal tubules, collecting ducts, and vasa recta.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce the localization and function of aquaporins (AQPs) in the kidney.
To explore the roles of AQPs in different kidney diseases.
To reveal the prospects of AQPs in basic and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

Analysis of aquaporin (AQP) expression patterns in different kidney regions.
Investigation of AQP knockout mouse models to assess kidney function.
Review of existing literature on AQP roles in renal physiology and pathology.

Main Results:

Aquaporins (AQPs) play critical roles in transepithelial water transport.
AQP knockout studies have elucidated their functions in maintaining kidney homeostasis.
Understanding AQP roles provides insights into near isoosmolar fluid reabsorption mechanisms.

Conclusions:

Aquaporins (AQPs) are essential for normal kidney function and fluid balance.
Dysregulation of AQPs contributes to the pathophysiology of various kidney diseases.
Targeting AQPs holds promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies for kidney disorders.