These results are in agreement with a potential role of pendrin in bicarbonate secretion and regulation of acid-base transport in the cortical collecting duct.

Mutations in the human gene that encodes the AE1 Cl؊ /HCO 3 ؊ exchanger (SLC4A1) cause autosomal recessive and dominant forms of distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA). A mouse model that lacks AE1/slc4a1 (slc4a1؊/؊) exhibited dRTA characterized by spontaneous hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with low net acid excretion and, inappropriately, alkaline urine without bicarbonaturia. Basolateral Cl ؊ /HCO 3 ؊ exchange activity in acid-secretory intercalated cells of isolated superfused slc4a1؊/؊ medullary collecting duct was reduced, but alternate bicarbonate transport pathways were upregulated. Homozygous mice had nephrocalcinosis associated with hypercalciuria, hyperphosphaturia, and hypocitraturia. A severe urinary concentration defect in slc4a1؊/؊ mice was accompanied by dysregulated expression and localization of the aquaporin-2 water channel. Mice that were heterozygous for the AE1-deficient allele had no apparent defect. Thus, the slc4a1؊/؊ mouse is the first genetic model of complete dRTA and demonstrates that the AE1/slc4a1 Cl ؊ /HCO 3 ؊ exchanger is required for maintenance of normal acid-base homeostasis by distal renal regeneration of bicarbonate in the mouse as well as in humans.

No abstract