Genetic dissection of sodium and potassium transport along the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron: importance in the control of blood pressure and hypertension

FEBS Lett. 2013 Jun 27;587(13):1929-41. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.05.013. Epub 2013 May 16.

Abstract

In this review, we discuss genetic evidence supporting Guyton's hypothesis stating that blood pressure control is critically depending on fluid handling by the kidney. The review is focused on the genetic dissection of sodium and potassium transport in the distal nephron and the collecting duct that are the most important sites for the control of sodium and potassium balance by aldosterone and angiotensin II. Thanks to the study of Mendelian forms of hypertension and their corresponding transgenic mouse models, three main classes of diuretic receptors (furosemide, thiazide, amiloride) and the main components of the aldosterone- and angiotensin-dependent signaling pathways were molecularly identified over the past 20 years. This will allow to design rational strategies for the treatment of hypertension and for the development of the next generation of diuretics.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Blood Pressure*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / genetics*
  • Hypertension / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / genetics
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Nephrons / metabolism*
  • Nephrons / physiopathology
  • Potassium / metabolism*
  • Potassium Channels / genetics
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sodium / metabolism*
  • Sodium Channels / genetics
  • Sodium Channels / metabolism
  • Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters / genetics
  • Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters / metabolism

Substances

  • Potassium Channels
  • Sodium Channels
  • Sodium-Potassium-Chloride Symporters
  • Sodium
  • Potassium