Water channel proteins in the peripheral nervous system in health and disease

Mol Aspects Med. 2012 Oct-Dec;33(5-6):605-11. doi: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.03.002. Epub 2012 Mar 28.

Abstract

The expression and function of aquaporins (AQPs) in the peripheral nervous system is a relatively under-investigated subject. Since the original description of AQP1 mRNA expression in the trigeminal ganglion in 2004, there has been significant progress in describing the expression, regulation and function of AQPs in the peripheral nervous system. Three out of the 13 mammalian AQPs (AQP1, AQP2 and AQP4) have been localized to neurons or glial cells in trigeminal ganglia, periodontal Ruffini endings, dorsal root ganglia and the enteric nervous system. Functional studies using knockout mice have suggested the involvement of AQP1 in peripheral pain perception. This review discusses current progress in this field and the possible involvement of AQPs in peripheral neuropathies.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aquaporins / genetics
  • Aquaporins / metabolism*
  • Enteric Nervous System / cytology
  • Enteric Nervous System / metabolism
  • Ganglia, Spinal / cytology
  • Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism
  • Gene Expression*
  • Humans
  • Mechanoreceptors / cytology
  • Mechanoreceptors / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neurons / cytology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Pain Perception / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / genetics
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / metabolism*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology
  • Synaptic Transmission / genetics*
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / cytology
  • Trigeminal Ganglion / metabolism

Substances

  • Aquaporins