Ca2+ Imaging as a tool to assess TRP channel function in murine distal nephrons

Methods Mol Biol. 2013:998:371-84. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-351-0_29.

Abstract

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are expressed in almost every segment of renal nephron from the glomerulus to the inner medullary collecting duct. Serving as a route for Ca(2+) entry from the intratubular space into cells in response to external cues, TRP channels modulate water-electrolyte transport, thus determining functional properties of the renal tubule. In this chapter, we discuss technical aspects of using Ca(2+) imaging to monitor activity of TRP channels in situ, namely, in the freshly isolated distal nephrons, with a special emphasis on the mechanosensitive TRPV4 channel and its role in tubular flow sensing.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Mice
  • Molecular Imaging / methods*
  • Nephrons / cytology
  • Nephrons / metabolism*
  • Permeability
  • Rats
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels / metabolism*

Substances

  • Transient Receptor Potential Channels
  • Calcium