Role of membrane fusion in hormonal regulation of epithelial transport.

Fusion of cytoplasmic vesicles with the plasma membrane represents an important mechanism whereby additional transport proteins can be introduced into the cell membrane. Although it is apparent that some epithelial hormone responses, such as the vasopressin-induced change in water permeability, utilize this mechanism, the mechanism of some other responses remains uncertain. In addition, many details concerning the intracellular systems responsible for controlling vesicle translocation and membrane fusion in epithelial hormone responses remain to be elucidated.