ROMK
ROMK (Renal Outer Medullary Potassium channel) is a type of potassium channel that is primarily found in the kidney. It plays a crucial role in maintaining potassium homeostasis, blood pressure, and overall renal function.
Function[edit | edit source]
ROMK channels are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the passive movement of potassium ions across the cell membrane. They are predominantly expressed in the nephron of the kidney, specifically in the thick ascending limb (TAL) and the cortical collecting duct (CCD).
In the TAL, ROMK channels contribute to the reabsorption of sodium chloride and the generation of a lumen-positive transepithelial voltage, which drives the paracellular reabsorption of calcium and magnesium. In the CCD, they are involved in potassium secretion, which is critical for the regulation of serum potassium levels.
Genetics[edit | edit source]
The ROMK channel is encoded by the KCNJ1 gene. Mutations in this gene can lead to a variety of renal disorders, including Bartter syndrome type II, a rare inherited condition characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood, increased levels of aldosterone, and impaired ability to concentrate urine.
Pharmacology[edit | edit source]
Several drugs have been developed to modulate the activity of ROMK channels. These include ROMK inhibitors, which are being investigated for their potential to treat hypertension and heart failure, and ROMK activators, which may be useful in conditions associated with hyperkalemia, such as chronic kidney disease.
See also[edit | edit source]
| Urinary system - Kidney - edit |
|---|
| Renal capsule | Renal cortex | Renal medulla (Renal sinus, Renal pyramids) | Renal calyx | Renal pelvis |
| Nephron - Renal corpuscle (Glomerulus, Bowman's capsule) → Proximal tubule → Loop of Henle → Distal convoluted tubule → Collecting ducts
Juxtaglomerular apparatus (Macula densa, Juxtaglomerular cells) Renal circulation - Renal artery → Interlobar arteries → Arcuate arteries → Cortical radial arteries → Afferent arterioles → Glomerulus → Efferent arterioles → Vasa recta → Arcuate vein → Renal vein |
| Renal physiology |
| Filtration - Ultrafiltration | Countercurrent exchange
Hormones effecting filtration - Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) | Aldosterone | Atrial natriuretic peptide Endocrine - Renin | Erythropoietin (EPO) | Calcitriol (Active vitamin D) | Prostaglandins |
| Assessing Renal function / Measures of Dialysis |
| Glomerular filtration rate | Creatinine clearance | Renal clearance ratio | Urea reduction ratio | Kt/V | Standardized Kt/V | Hemodialysis product |
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