Departments of Physiology, The University of Melbourne and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.
Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2013 Aug;40(8):495-503. doi: 10.1111/1440-1681.12124.
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) has long been recognized as playing a vital role in blood pressure (BP) regulation due to its involvement in fluid balance. The genes encoding the three ENaC subunits are likewise important contributors to hypertension, both in rare monogenic diseases and in the general population. The unusually high numbers of genetic variants associated with complex traits, including BP, that are located in non-coding areas suggest an involvement of these variants in regulatory functions. This may involve differential regulation of expression in different tissues. Emerging evidence indicates that the ENaC plays an important role in BP determination not only via its actions in the kidney, but also in other tissues commonly involved in BP regulation. The ENaC in the central nervous system is proposed to regulate BP via sympathetic nervous system activity. Recent evidence suggests that the ENaC contributes to vascular function and the myogenic response. Additional roles potentially include initiation of the baroreceptor reflex via ENaC in the baroreceptors and driving high salt intake with a 'taste for salt' via ENaC in the tongue. The present review describes the involvement of the ENaC in the determination of BP at a genetic and physiological level, detailing recent evidence for its role in the kidney and in other pertinent tissues.
上皮钠离子通道（ENaC）长期以来一直被认为在血压（BP）调节中起着至关重要的作用，因为它参与了液体平衡。编码 ENaC 三个亚基的基因同样是高血压的重要贡献者，无论是在罕见的单基因疾病中还是在普通人群中。与包括 BP 在内的复杂特征相关的遗传变异数量异常多，这些变异位于非编码区域，表明这些变异可能参与了调节功能。这可能涉及到在不同组织中表达的差异调节。新出现的证据表明，ENaC 通过其在肾脏中的作用以及在其他通常参与血压调节的组织中的作用，对 BP 的确定起着重要作用。中枢神经系统中的 ENaC 通过交感神经系统活动来调节血压。最近的证据表明，ENaC 有助于血管功能和肌源性反应。其他潜在作用可能包括通过压力感受器中的 ENaC 启动压力感受器反射，以及通过舌头上的 ENaC 驱动高盐摄入和“对盐的偏好”。本综述描述了 ENaC 在遗传和生理水平上对 BP 的确定的参与，详细说明了最近关于其在肾脏和其他相关组织中的作用的证据。
