1995•Current Opinion in Nephrology & HypertensionRequires access
Water channels
Kiyohide Fushimi, Fumiaki Marumo
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Abstract
The aquaporin water channels are expressed in various fluid-transporting epithelia. Physiological and genetic investigations have revealed that aquaporin channel-like intrinsic protein is expressed in numerous tissues, but its significance in water transport physiology is unclear. It has been shown that aquaporin-collecting duct is a vasopressin-responsive water channel, and that it is regulated by a membrane shuttle mechanism. Three unique models for a water pore have been presented but further studies will be required to verify them. New aquaporin members have been isolated and their discrete localization may reflect their specific physiological roles.