The NaCl transport system in the luminal membrane of the TAL is a Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter (called NKCC2 or NK2CL) (Figure 15–3). This transporter is selectively blocked by diuretic agents known as “loop” diuretics (discussed later in chapter). Although the Na+/K+/2Cl− transporter is itself electrically neutral (two cations and two anions are cotransported), the action of the transporter contributes to excess K+ accumulation within the cell. Back diffusion of this K+ into the tubular lumen (via the ROMK channel) causes a lumen-positive electrical potential that provides the driving force for reabsorption of cat-ions—including magnesium and calcium—via the paracellular pathway. Thus, inhibition of salt transport in the TAL by loop diuretics, which reduces the lumen-positive potential, causes an increase in urinary excretion of divalent cations in addition to NaCl.
Only about 10% of the filtered NaCl is reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Like the TAL of Henle’s loop, this segment is relatively impermeable to water, and NaCl reabsorption further dilutes the tubular fluid. The mechanism of NaCl
FIGURE 15–4 Ion transport pathways across the luminal and basolateral membranes of the distal convoluted tubule cell. As in all tubular cells, Na+/K+-ATPase is present in the basolateral membrane. NCC is the primary sodium and chloride transporter in the luminal membrane. R, parathyroid hormone (PTH) receptor.
transport in the DCT is an electrically neutral thiazide-sensitive Na+/Cl− cotransporter (NCC; Figure 15–4).
Because K+ does not recycle across the apical membrane of the DCT as it does in the TAL, there is no lumen-positive potential in this segment, and Ca2+ and Mg2+ are not driven out of the tubular lumen by electrical forces. Instead, Ca2+ is actively reabsorbed by the DCT epithelial cell via an apical Ca2+ channel and basolateral Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (Figure 15–4). This process is regulated by parathyroid hormone.
The collecting tubule system that connects the DCT to the renal pelvis and the ureter consists of several sequential tubular segments: the connecting tubule, the collecting tubule, and the collecting duct (formed by the connection of two or more collecting tubules). Although these tubule segments may be anatomically distinct, the physiologic gradations are more gradual, and in terms of diuretic activity it is easier to think of this complex as a single segment of the nephron containing several distinct cell types. The collecting tubule system is responsible for only 2–5% of NaCl reabsorption by the kidney. Despite this small contribution, it plays an important role in renal physiology and in diuretic action. As the final site of NaCl reabsorption, the collecting system is responsible for tight regulation of body fluid volume and for determining the final Na+ concentration of the urine. Furthermore, the collecting system is the site at which mineralocorticoids exert a significant influence.
R Cl – Lumen-urine Collecting tubule Interstitium-blood Na+ K+ Cl – Na+ K+ Aldosterone Principal cell Intercalated cell H+ HCO3 – ENaC ++ATP ATP FIGURE 15–5 Ion transport pathways across the luminal and basolateral membranes of collecting tubule and collecting duct cells. Inward diffusion of Na+ via the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) leaves a lumen-negative potential, which drives reabsorption of Cl− and efflux of K+. R, aldosterone receptor.
Lastly, this is the most important site of K+ secretion by the kidney and the site at which virtually all diuretic-induced changes in K+ balance occur.