Multiple Facets and Roles of Na+-K+-Cl- Cotransport: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Physiology (Bethesda). 2020 Nov 1;35(6):415-429. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00012.2020.

Abstract

The Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporters play key physiological and pathophysiological roles by regulating the membrane potential of many cell types and the movement of fluid across a variety of epithelial or endothelial structures. As such, they should soon become invaluable targets for the treatment of various disorders including pain, epilepsy, brain edema, and hypertension. This review highlights the nature of these roles, the mechanisms at play, and the unresolved issues in the field.

Keywords: NKCC1; NKCC2; Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporters; cation-Cl− cotransporter; molecular mechanisms; physiological roles.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Edema / drug therapy
  • Brain Edema / metabolism
  • Brain Edema / pathology
  • Chlorides / metabolism
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / metabolism
  • Epilepsy / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • Hypertension / pathology
  • Ion Transport
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / metabolism
  • Pain / pathology
  • Potassium / metabolism
  • Sodium / metabolism
  • Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters
  • Sodium
  • Potassium

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