Vesicular osmometers, vasopressin secretion and aquaporin-4: A new mechanism for osmoreception?

MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY

卷:136

Article

Wells, T

关键词: osmoreceptors;    vasopressin;    aquaporins;    aquaporin-4;    mercurial-insensitive water channel;   

DOI  :  10.1016/S0303-7207(97)00219-0

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

This review cites new evidence suggesting a link between the recently discovered membrane bound water-selective channel, aquaporin-4 (AQP4), and the mechanism of central osmoreception. AQP4 is found in a number of brain regions associated with the osmoregulation of vasopressin secretion and thirst, including the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and subfornical organ (SFO). AQP4 expression is restricted to ependymal cell membranes in the SFO and astrocyte membranes in the SON, especially perivascular end foot processes, suggesting that glial cells may correspond to Verney's hypothalamic 'vesicular osmometers'. Information on osmotic status may thus be conveyed to the neuronal elements of the 'osmoreceptor complex' by a neurone-glial interaction. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

【 授权许可】

Free