Cell volume regulation: physiology and pathophysiology

64 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cell volume perturbation initiates a wide array of intracellular signalling cascades, leading to protective and adaptive events and, in most cases, activation of volume-regulatory osmolyte transport, water loss, and hence restoration of cell volume and cellular function. Cell volume is challenged not only under physiological conditions, e.g. following accumulation of nutrients, during epithelial absorption/secretion processes, following hormonal/autocrine stimulation, and during induction of apoptosis, but also under pathophysiological conditions, e.g. hypoxia, ischaemia and hyponatremia/hypernatremia. On the other hand, it has recently become clear that an increase or reduction in cell volume can also serve as a specific signal in the regulation of physiological processes such as transepithelial transport, cell migration, proliferation and death. Although the mechanisms by which cell volume perturbations are sensed are still far from clear, significant progress has been made with respect to the nature of the sensors, transducers and effectors that convert a change in cell volume into a physiological response. In the present review, we summarize recent major developments in the field, and emphasize the relationship between cell volume regulation and organism physiology/pathophysiology.
Original languageEnglish
JournalActa Physiologica (Print Edition)
Volume194
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)255-82
Number of pages27
ISSN1748-1708
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cell volume regulation: physiology and pathophysiology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this