Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Paracellular channel formation -- Paracellular channel recording -- Paracellular cation channel -- Paracellular anion channel -- Paracellular water channel -- Paracellular channel in organ system -- Paracellular channel in human disease -- Paracellular channel as drug target -- Paracellular channel evolution -- Perspective. The Paracellular Channel: Biology, Physiology and Disease serves as the first volume to offer a cohesive and unifying picture of the critical functions of paracellular channels (tight junctions) in different tissues. This new class of ion channel utilizes a completely different mechanism to create ion passage pathways across the cell junction. This volume outlines common principles that govern the organization and regulation of these diverse cellular structures, describes the methodology of study, and highlights the pathophysiologic consequence of abnormal structure and functions of the paracellular channels in human diseases. Coverage includes biochemical, biophysical, structural, physiologic analyses of the paracellular channel, and new technologies for recording and characterization.