RENAL K+ CHANNELS - STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

The activity of potassium (K+) channels is intimately linked to severa l important transport functions in renal tubules. We review recent pro gress concerning the properties, site along the nephron, and physiolog ical regulation of native K+ channels, and compare their characteristi cs with those of recently cloned K+ channels. We do not fully cover wo rk on K+ channels in amphibian tubules, cell cultures, and single tubu le cells and do not review K+ channels in mesangial cells.