Dual function of the choroid plexus: Cerebrospinal fluid production and control of brain ion homeostasis

• Published in: Cell calcium (Edinburgh) 2023-12, Vol.116, p.102797-102797, Article 102797
• Main Authors: MacAulay, Nanna, Toft-Bertelsen, Trine L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adenosine Triphosphatases; Brain - metabolism; Cerebrospinal fluid; Choroid plexus; Choroid Plexus - metabolism; Homeostasis; Ionic gradients; Ions; K+ homeostasis; Membrane transport; Membrane Transport Proteins; Na+/K+-ATPase; Sodium - metabolism; Symporters
• ISSN: 0143-4160; 1532-1991
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102797

•The choroid plexus serves to secrete the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).•CSF does not appear to be produced by conventional osmosis.•CSF secretion occurs with Na+ and Cl− transport across the epithelium.•The Na+/K+-ATPase is key in barrier-mediated control of the CSF K+ homeostasis.•NKCC1 may contribute to CSF K+ homeostasis under certain conditions. The choroid plexus is a small monolayered epithelium located in the brain ventricles and serves to secrete the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that envelops the brain and fills the central ventricles. The CSF secretion is sustained with a concerted effort of a range of membrane transporters located in a polarized fashion in this tissue. Prominent amongst these are the Na+/K+-ATPase, the Na+,K+,2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC1), and several HCO3− transporters, which together support the net transepithelial transport of the major electrolytes, Na+ and Cl−, and thus drive the CSF secretion. The choroid plexus, in addition, serves an important role in keeping the CSF K+ concentration at a level compatible with normal brain function. The choroid plexus Na+/K+-ATPase represents a key factor in the barrier-mediated control of the CSF K+ homeostasis, as it increases its K+ uptake activity when faced with elevated extracellular K+ ([K+]o). In certain developmental or pathological conditions, the NKCC1 may revert its net transport direction to contribute to CSF K+ homeostasis. The choroid plexus ion transport machinery thus serves dual, yet interconnected, functions with its contribution to electrolyte and fluid secretion in combination with its control of brain K+ levels. [Display omitted]