Physiol Rev. 2013 Oct;93(4):1543-62. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00011.2013.
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is one of the most abundant molecules in the brain and is particularly prevalent in astrocytic membranes at the blood-brain and brain-liquor interfaces. While AQP4 has been implicated in a number of pathophysiological processes, its role in brain physiology has remained elusive. Only recently has evidence accumulated to suggest that AQP4 is involved in such diverse functions as regulation of extracellular space volume, potassium buffering, cerebrospinal fluid circulation, interstitial fluid resorption, waste clearance, neuroinflammation, osmosensation, cell migration, and Ca(2+) signaling. AQP4 is also required for normal function of the retina, inner ear, and olfactory system. A review will be provided of the physiological roles of AQP4 in brain and of the growing list of data that emphasize the polarized nature of astrocytes.
水通道蛋白-4（AQP4）是大脑中最丰富的分子之一，尤其在血脑和脑脊髓液界面的星形胶质细胞膜中大量存在。虽然 AQP4 已经涉及许多病理生理过程，但它在大脑生理学中的作用仍然难以捉摸。直到最近，有证据表明 AQP4 参与了调节细胞外空间体积、钾缓冲、脑脊液循环、间质液吸收、废物清除、神经炎症、渗透压感知、细胞迁移和 Ca(2+)信号等多种功能。AQP4 对于视网膜、内耳和嗅觉系统的正常功能也是必需的。本文将综述 AQP4 在大脑中的生理作用，以及越来越多的数据强调星形胶质细胞的极化性质。
