Osmosensitive Taurine Release

Abstract

Swelling subsequent to hyposmotic conditions activates a process of volume regulation present in most cell types. This volume adjustment is accomplished by osmolyte translocation towards the extracellular space to reach a new osmotic equilibrium. Molecules involved in this homeostatic mechanism have been broadly classified into two categories: organic and inorganic osmolytes. Inorganic osmolytes comprise mainly the intracellular ions K+ and Cl-. Cell swelling-induced activation of separate K+ and Cl- channels has been described in most preparations. Organic osmolytes are grouped in three categories: amino acids, polyalcohols and methylamines. These osmolytes, particularly taurine, are present in high intracellular concentrations and may also play a role as cytoprotectants1. Amino acids are part of the organic osmolyte pool contributing to RVD in most cells1,2. Among them, taurine has been studied in detail mainly due to its metabolic inertness, and it is often considered as representative of all osmolyte amino acids.KeywordsRegulatory Volume DecreaseNiflumic AcidOrganic OsmolyteTaurine ReleaseAmino Acid ReleaseThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.