Regulation of intestinal electroneutral sodium absorption and the brush border Na+/H+ exchanger by intracellular calcium

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 May:1165:240-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04055.x.

Abstract

The intestinal electroneutral Na(+) absorptive processes account for most small intestinal Na(+) absorption in the period between meals and also for the great majority of the increase in ileal Na(+) absorption that occurs postprandially. In most diarrheal diseases, there is inhibition of neutral NaCl absorption. Elevated levels of intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) are known to inhibit NaCl absorption and involve multiple components of the Ca(2+) signaling pathway. The BB Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 accounts for most of the recognized digestive changes in neutral NaCl absorption, as well as most of the changes in Na(+) absorption that occur in diarrheal diseases. Previous studies have examined several aspects of Ca(2+) regulation of NHE3 activity. These include phosphorylation, protein trafficking, and multiprotein complex formation. In addition, recent studies have demonstrated the role of the NHERF family of PDZ domain-containing proteins in Ca(2+) regulation of NHE3 activity, thereby adding a new level of complexity to understanding Ca(2+)-dependent inhibition of Na(+) absorption. In this article, we will review the current understanding of (1) Ca(2+) signaling events in intestinal epithelial cells; (2) Ca(2+) regulation of intestinal electroneutral sodium absorption, which includes NHE3; and (3) the role of the NHERF family of PDZ domain-containing proteins in Ca(2+) regulation of NHE3 activity. We will also present new data on using advanced imaging showing rapid BB NHE3 endocytosis in response to elevated [Ca(2+)](i).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ileum / metabolism
  • Intestine, Small / metabolism*
  • Microvilli / metabolism
  • PDZ Domains
  • Phosphorylation
  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers / metabolism*

Substances

  • Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers
  • Calcium