Molecular mechanisms and drug development in aquaporin water channel diseases: aquaporins in the brain

J Pharmacol Sci. 2004 Nov;96(3):264-70. doi: 10.1254/jphs.fmj04004x5.

Abstract

Water homeostasis of the brain is essential for its neuronal activity. Changes in water content in the intra- and extra-cellular space affect ionic concentrations and therefore modify neuronal activity. Aquaporin (AQP) water channels may have a central role in keeping water homeostasis in the brain. Among AQP subtypes cloned in mammalian, only AQP1, AQP4, and AQP9 were identified in the brain. Changes in AQP expression may be correlated with edema formation of the brain. In this review, we describe the physiological function of AQPs and the regulatory mechanism of their expression in the brain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquaporin 2
  • Aquaporins / metabolism*
  • Brain / blood supply
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Brain Edema / drug therapy*
  • Brain Edema / metabolism*
  • Drug Design*
  • Humans

Substances

  • AQP2 protein, human
  • Aquaporin 2
  • Aquaporins