Cloning and characterisation of amphibian ClC-3 and ClC-5 chloride channels

Amphibians have provided important model systems to study transepithelial transport, acid-base balance and cell volume regulation. Several families of chloride channels and transporters are involved in these functions. The purpose of this review is to report briefly on some of the characteristics of the chloride channels so far reported in amphibian epithelia, and to focus on recently cloned members of the ClC family and their possible physiological roles. The electrophysiological characterisation, distribution, localisation and possible functions are reviewed and compared to their mammalian orthologs.