Epithelial Fluid Transport
Epithelial Fluid Transport - Related Videos
02:41
In Vivo Imaging of Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport in a Mouse Brain Using Fluorescence Macroscopy
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2025
Source: Sweeney, A. M., et al. In Vivo Imaging of Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport through the Intact Mouse Skull using Fluorescence Macroscopy. J. Vis. Exp. (2019)This video demonstrates the process of visualizing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in a mouse brain using fluorescence imaging. A fluorescent tracer is injected into the cisterna magna (CM), allowing its movement with CSF to be tracked through the subarachnoid and perivascular spaces. Time-lapse imaging captures the tracer's journey,...
11:27
Methods to Study Epithelial Transport Protein Function and Expression in Native Intestine and Caco-2 Cells Grown in 3D
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Cited by 16 •
2017
We describe simple methods to study the regulation of intestinal serotonin transporter (SERT) function and expression using an in vitro cell culture model of Caco-2 cells grown in 3D and an ex vivo model of mouse intestines. These methods are applicable to the study of other epithelial transporters.
09:58
A Choroid Plexus Epithelial Cell-based Model of the Human Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier to Study Bacterial Infection from the Basolateral Side
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Cited by 45 •
2016
The epithelial cells of the choroid plexus (CP) form the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). An in vitro model of the BCSFB employs human choroid plexus papilloma (HIBCPP) cells. This article describes culturing and basolateral infection of HIBCPP cells using a cell culture filter insert system.
08:55
Nasal Potential Difference to Quantify Trans-epithelial Ion Transport in Mice
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Cited by 2 •
2018
Here, we present a protocol to measure nasal potential difference in mice. The test quantifies the function of transmembrane ion transporters such as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator and the epithelial sodium channel. It is valuable to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapies for cystic fibrosis.
06:22
In Vivo Imaging of Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport through the Intact Mouse Skull using Fluorescence Macroscopy
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Cited by 26 •
2019
Transcranial optical imaging allows wide-field imaging of cerebrospinal fluid transport in the cortex of live mice through an intact skull.
FAQs
The basolateral Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase establishes the electrochemical gradients that organize ion movement across epithelial cells. These gradients support subsequent transport of sodium, chloride, and other solutes through apical channels and transporters. Because active ion handling initiates the osmotic conditions that draw water across the tissue, pump activity strongly influences epithelial hydration and overall fluid movement.
Apical channels and transporters move ions across the cell layer, creating solute gradients that water can follow. Water crosses through aquaporins, which provide cellular pathways, or through paracellular routes between cells. The relative contribution of these pathways determines how efficiently epithelial sheets transfer water in response to ion movement.
The direction and organization of ion movement allow epithelial tissues to perform different physiological tasks. In the intestine, coordinated transport supports absorption, whereas glands and airways use epithelial transport for secretion. The kidney applies related principles to urine concentration, showing that a shared ion-driven mechanism can produce distinct outcomes in different organs.
Its physiological role depends on the organ in which the epithelial layer operates. Intestinal epithelia use transport processes to support absorption, renal epithelia contribute to urine concentration, and glandular or airway epithelia support secretion. These examples connect cellular ion handling with tissue hydration, ion balance, and the specialized functions of organs.
Disruption can disturb tissue hydration and ion balance, compromising normal organ function. The overview identifies diarrhea, cystic fibrosis, and renal dysfunction as conditions associated with abnormal epithelial fluid transport. These disorders illustrate how changes in ion movement or water passage can affect secretion, absorption, or the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine.
Studying this process links molecular transport components with tissue-level and organ-level outcomes. Researchers can relate Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, apical ion channels and transporters, and water pathways to intestinal absorption, renal urine concentration, and glandular or airway secretion. This systems-level perspective also helps connect transport defects with clinically important disorders.