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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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine Signaling

Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.

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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 Reproductive System.

Hang Zhang¹, Baoxue Yang²

¹School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology

|January 30, 2023

Summary

Thirteen aquaporins (AQPs) are crucial for reproductive health, regulating water balance and germ cell function. Their proper function is essential for male and female fertility, with dysfunction potentially leading to infertility.

Keywords:

Fertility Oogenesis Reproductive system Spermatogenesis

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Last Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Culturing Primary Rat Inner Medullary Collecting Duct Cells

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Published on: June 21, 2013

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Published on: August 25, 2018

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Molecular Physiology
Cell Biology

Background:

The mammalian reproductive system expresses 13 aquaporins (AQPs), integral membrane proteins facilitating water and small solute transport.
These AQPs are vital for maintaining reproductive tract water balance and germ cell water homeostasis.
Dysregulation of AQP function is linked to diminished male and female fertility.

Approach:

This review synthesizes current research on aquaporin distribution, function, and regulation within male and female reproductive organs.
It examines the physiological and pathophysiological roles of AQPs in reproduction.
The review highlights recent advances and the correlation between AQP activity and reproductive success.

Key Points:

Aquaporins (AQP0-12) are expressed throughout the mammalian reproductive system.
They regulate water and solute transport, crucial for reproductive tract water balance and germ cell homeostasis.
AQPs are involved in sperm and egg production, maturation, and fertilization.

Conclusions:

Aquaporins play critical roles in mammalian reproduction, influencing fertility.
Understanding AQP distribution and function is key to addressing reproductive health issues.
Further research into AQP regulation and dysfunction can advance fertility treatments.