Cotransporter-mediated water transport underlying cerebrospinal fluid formation

Annette B. Steffensen, Eva K. Oernbo, Anca Stoica, Niklas J. Gerkau, Dagne Barbuskaite, Katerina Tritsaris, Christine R. Rose, Nanna MacAulay*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production occurs at a rate of 500 ml per day in the adult human. Conventional osmotic forces do not suffice to support such production rate and the molecular mechanisms underlying this fluid production remain elusive. Using ex vivo choroid plexus live imaging and isotope flux in combination with in vivo CSF production determination in mice, we identify a key component in the CSF production machinery. The Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransporter (NKCC1) expressed in the luminal membrane of choroid plexus contributes approximately half of the CSF production, via its unusual outward transport direction and its unique ability to directly couple water transport to ion translocation. We thereby establish the concept of cotransport of water as a missing link in the search for molecular pathways sustaining CSF production and redefine the current model of this pivotal physiological process. Our results provide a rational pharmacological target for pathologies involving disturbed brain fluid dynamics.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2167
JournalNature Communications
Volume9
Issue number1
Number of pages13
ISSN2041-1723
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

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