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INVITED REVIEW

BK channels in the kidney: role in K⁺ secretion and localization of molecular components

¹Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; and ²Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Although it is generally accepted that ROMK is the K⁺ secretory channel in the mammalian distal nephron, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence that large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels (BK, or maxi K) also secrete K⁺ in renal tubules. This review assesses the current evidence relating BK channels with K⁺ secretion. We shall consider the component proteins of the BK channel, their localization with respect to segment and cell type, and the electrophysiological forces involved in K⁺ secretion. Although the majority of studies have focused on a role for BK channels in flow-mediated K⁺ secretion, this review also considers a potential role for BK channels in high-K diet-induced K⁺ secretion. The division of workload between ROMK and BK is discussed as a mechanism for ensuring a constant plasma K⁺ concentration.

maxi K; distal nephron; potassium secretion; connecting tubule; BK-1

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