Sodium-potassium-chloride symporter type 2 (NKCC2)

The sodium-potassium-chloride symporter type 2 (NKCC2) is a membrane transporter located in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney. It mediates the reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride ions from the urine filtrate into the kidney epithelial cells, which is crucial for maintaining body fluid and electrolyte balance. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide, inhibit this symporter, resulting in increased excretion of these ions and water, and are primarily used to treat edema and hypertension associated with heart failure, renal, or liver disease. The inhibition of NKCC2 also disrupts the kidney's ability to concentrate urine by reducing the osmotic gradient in the medulla, leading to high-volume, dilute urine.

Other names

Na-K-2Cl cotransporterSLC12A1

Inhibition of the NKCC2 transporter, resulting in decreased reabsorption of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the thick ascending limb, leading to diuresis and natriuresis (increased excretion of water and sodium)