LOOKING AHEAD

The identification of AQP1�4 in the kidney has allowed for a better understanding of the role of aquaporins in various disorders of water homeostasis.

Aquaporin-Related Disorders of Water Homeostasis

by Robert W. Schrier

Summary

The discovery of four major water channels in the kidney, namely aquaporins (AQP) 1, 2, 3 and 4, has allowed a substantial increase in our understanding of renal water regulation in health and disease. This review discusses the renal aquaporin water channels in the urinary dilution and concentrating defects in cardiac failure, cirrhosis, syndrome of antidiuretic hormone secretion, pregnancy, hypothyroidism, isolated glucocorticoid deficiency, isolated mineralocorticoid deficiency, primary polydipsia, acquired and genetic nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. © 2007 Prous Science. All rights reserved.