Distal convoluted tubule

The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is a portion of kidney nephron between the loop of Henle and the collecting tubule.1 Glomerulus, 2 proximal tubule, 3 distal tubuleTransverse section of pyramidal substance of kidney of pig, the bloodvessels of which are injected.Renal corpuscleDiagram outlining movement of ions in nephron. The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is a portion of kidney nephron between the loop of Henle and the collecting tubule. It is partly responsible for the regulation of potassium, sodium, calcium, and pH. On its apical surface (lumen side), cells of the DCT have a thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter and are permeable to Ca, via the TRPV5 channel. On the basolateral surface (peritubular capillary side) there is an ATP-dependent Na/K antiporter pump, a secondary active Na/Ca transporter, and an ATP dependent Ca transporter. The basolateral ATP dependent Na/K pump produces the gradient for Na to be absorbed from the apical surface via the Na/Cl symporter, and for Ca to be reclaimed into the blood by the Na/Ca basolateral antiporter. Thiazide diuretics inhibit Na+/Cl− reabsorption from the DCT by blocking the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter.