Chloride channels in the loop of Henle

Cl^- transport in the loop of Henle is responsible for reclamation of 25-40% of the filtered NaCl load and for the formation of dilute urine. Our understanding of the physiologic and molecular mechanisms responsible for Cl^- reabsorption in both the thin ascending limb and thick ascending limb of Henle's loop has increased greatly over the last decade. Plasma membrane Cl^- channels are known to play an integral role in transcellular Cl^- transport in both the thin and thick ascending limbs. This review focuses on the functional characteristics and molecular identities of these Cl^- channels, as well as the role of these channels in the pathophysiology of disease.