Water Transportation During Cerebral Edema Formation and Aquaporin-4

Abstract

Cerebral edema is a major contributor to the mortality associated with ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injuries; however, limited therapeutic strategies are available for cerebral edema. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the main water channel in the brain plays a key role in water homeostasis and edema formation in the central nervous system. Therefore, regulation of AQP4 function or expression is considered a possible target for treatment of edema. Despite extensive research over several decades, AQP4 inhibitors have not been approved for the treatment of edema in humans. Further studies are warranted to gain a deeper understanding of the exact properties and functions of AQP4, to facilitate the development of newer therapeutic approaches for cerebral edema.