Epithelial calcium channel:: gate-keeper of active calcium reabsorption

The epithelial calcium channel present in the apical membrane of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3-responsive nephron segments represents the first member of a new family of calcium channels. This review covers the distinctive properties of this highly calcium-selective channel and highlights the implications for our understanding of the process of calcium reabsorption, Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 9:335-340. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.