Β intercalated cell

Β Intercalated Cell

Diagram of the structure of a kidney, including the collecting duct where Β intercalated cells are found.

The Β Intercalated Cell is a type of cell found in the collecting duct system of the kidney. These cells play a crucial role in maintaining the body's acid-base homeostasis by secreting bicarbonate and reabsorbing protons.

Structure

Β Intercalated Cells are characterized by their unique structure, which includes an apical Cl-/HCO3- exchanger, known as pendrin, and a basolateral H+-ATPase. This structure allows these cells to secrete bicarbonate into the urine and reabsorb protons into the blood.

Function

The primary function of Β Intercalated Cells is to regulate the body's pH balance. They do this by secreting bicarbonate, a base, into the urine. This helps to neutralize the acidity of the urine. At the same time, these cells reabsorb protons, which are acidic, into the blood. This helps to maintain the blood's pH balance.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in the function of Β Intercalated Cells can lead to a variety of health problems. For example, mutations in the gene that encodes pendrin can cause Pendred syndrome, a genetic disorder that can lead to hearing loss and thyroid problems. Additionally, dysfunction of these cells can contribute to the development of metabolic acidosis, a condition characterized by an excess of acid in the body.

See Also

• Collecting duct system
• Acid-base homeostasis
• Pendred syndrome
• Metabolic acidosis