Regulation of chloride channels in secretory epithelia

Fluid and electrolyte secretion from secretory epithelia is a highly regulated process. Chloride channel activity at the apical membrane determines the rate and direction of salt and water secretion. Multiple classes of Cl- channels with distinct gating mechanisms are involved in moving ions and water. Secretory agonists that induce intracellular increases in two second messenger systems, cAMP and [Ca2+]i, are generally associated with secretion. However, changes in cell volume and the membrane potential may also play a role in regulating fluid and electrolyte secretion in some tissues. In this review we discuss the regulation of the different types of Cl- channels found in secretory epithelia.