Intercalated Cells
Intercalated cells come in α and β varieties and participate in acid-base homeostasis.
| Type of cell | Secretes | Reabsorbs |
| α-intercalated cells | acid (via an apical H+-ATPase and H+/K+ exchanger) in the form of hydrogen ions | bicarbonate (via band 3, a basolateral Cl-/HCO3- exchanger) |
| β-intercalated cells | bicarbonate (via pendrin a specialised apical Cl-/HCO3-) | acid (via a basal H+-ATPase) |
For their contribution to acid-base homeostasis, the intercalated cells play important roles in the kidney's response to acidosis and alkalosis. Damage to the α-intercalated cell's ability to secrete acid can result in distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA type I, classical RTA).
Read more about this topic: Collecting Duct System, Cell Types
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