part of part of renal intercalated cell kidney collecting duct epithelial cell kidney collecting duct intercalated cell Any renal intercalated cell that is part of some collecting duct of renal tubule. https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_1001432 KUPO:0001129 The kidney collecting duct intercalated cell, otherwise referred to simply as the intercalated cell, is a specialized epithelial cell type primarily found in the kidney's collecting duct system. It is among the main cells that line this final component of the nephron, crucial in the physiological system that maintains acid-base homeostasis. This unique cell type comes in mainly three subtypes as per the localization of their proton pumps: type A, type B, and non-A, non-B cells. Each subtype plays different roles in regulating acid-base balance and electrolyte homeostasis in the body under varying physiological conditions. Type A intercalated cells reabsorb bicarbonate and secrete protons into urine, leading to the production of acidic urine. These cells are typically prevalent on the renal cortex and function particularly in states of metabolic acidosis or potassium depletion. On the other hand, type B intercalated cells secrete bicarbonate and reabsorb protons; thus, they are crucial in alkaline urine production and potassium conservation. These cells are essential to counter metabolic alkalosis or situations of potassium surplus. The non-A, non-B cells have the characteristic features of both type A and B cells, but play a prominent role under conditions of chronically elevated aldosterone and angiotensin II levels. Through their differentiated roles, intercalated cells also facilitate the reabsorption of sodium and chloride ions, and water to maintain osmolarity. These cells' activity is finely regulated by hormonal signals like aldosterone, angiotensin II, vasopressin, and the parathyroid hormone. Intercalated cell activity can undergo a significant transformation under pathological conditions, and their dysregulation is associated with diseases such as distal renal tubular acidosis, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collecting_duct_system#Intercalated_cells collecting duct of renal tubule