Transport mechanisms that mediate the secretion of chloride by the rectal gland of Squalus acanthias.

The rectal gland of Squalus acanthias secretes chloride by a mechanism that has been termed "secondary active transport" because it depends on the activity of Na-K-ATPase. As currently described, chloride enters the cell across the basolateral cell membrane via the 2 chloride: sodium: potassium cotransporter. The energy for this electroneutral uphill movement of chloride and potassium is provided by the gradient for sodium directed into the cell. Present in the basolateral cell membrane is Na-K-ATPase that maintains the gradient for sodium. A potassium conductance, present as well in the basolateral cell membrane, recirculates the potassium. Chloride exits the cell across the luminal membrane via CFTR, the chloride conductance. This mechanism is widely distributed throughout vertebrates. This report reviews the experimental observations that led to the current definition of the mechanism of chloride transport in the rectal gland.