| [ Summary ] |
Magnesium balance is controlled by the renal reabsorption pathways. Renal magnesium filtreted in the glomeruli is reabsorbed in the proximal tubule, the thick ascending limb of Henle, and the distal convoluted tubule. The reabsorption pathways are divided into two types : paracellular and transcellular pathways. In the paracellular pathway, claudin-16 forms divalent cations-permeable pores in the tight junction of the thick ascending limb of Henle. In the transcellular pathway, TRPM6 functions as a divalent cation-permeable ion channel. In addition, other unknown transporters may be involved in the reabsorption of magnesium. In hereditary disorders affecting renal magnesium metabolism, various gene mutations were found in claudin-16, TRPM6 and other ion transporters, and some abnormal mechanisms of magnesium metabolism have been recognized as well. |