The Rectal Gland of the Shark: The Road to Understanding the Mechanism and Regulation of Transepithelial Chloride Transport

What is it about?

The rectal gland of the shark is an integral part of the system that maintains salt and water homeostasis in this fish. It secretes a solution of sodium chloride in response to increases in extracellular volume. The mechanism for the secretion is termed secondary active transport of chloride. Unraveling of the mechanism and regulation of the chloride transport by the gland has provided an understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of disorders of chloride transport such as cystic fibrosis.

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