Comparative species studies on the effect of monovalent cations and ouabain on cardiac Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase and contractile force.

The effects of ouabain, Rb+ and Tl+ on Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase; Mg++-dependent, Na+,K+-activated ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) and contractile force were compared in guinea-pig and rat hearts. Although ouabain produced a dose-dependent positive inotropic effect in rat as well as in guinea-pig atrial preparations, concentrations of ouabain needed to produce comparable positive inotropic effects were more than an order of magnitude higher in rats than in guinea pigs. Additionally, the time to reach the plateau of the inotropic response was significantly shorter in rat than in guinea-pig atrial preparations. Concentrations of ouabain needed to produce comparable inhibition of cardiac Na+, K+-ATPase in vitro observed with partially purified cardiac enzyme preparations were also more than an order to magnitude higher in rats than in guinea pigs.     

3H]Ouabain binding to human erythrocytes in protein-énergy malnutrition

[3H]Ouabain binding to erythrocytes was determined in normal children and in children suffering from kwashiorkor or marasmus. Scatchard plot analysis of [3H]ouabain binding displayed straight lines with linear slopes in all subjects indicating the presence of a single species of ouabain binding sites on erythrocytes. The number of ouabain binding sites per cell was 385 +/- 26 (mean +/- SEM, n = 3) in normal, 891 +/- 102 (n = 8) (p less than 0.001) in kwashiorkor and 316 +/- 45 (n = 3) in marasmic children. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) for ouabain binding in kwashiorkor (16 nmol/1) was similar to that in control (12 nmol/1). The specific activity of Na+, K+ -ATPase of erythrocyte membrane has been shown to be higher in kwashiorkor children as compared to normal children [3]. This increase in enzyme activity may be considered as a consequence of increase in the enzyme content as indicated by the increased number of ouabain binding sites on red cells. Elevation in the level and activity of erythrocyte Na+, K+ -ATPase in kwashiorkor might represent a compensatory mechanism in response to a primary membrane abnormality, to effect prevention of Na+ accumulation and K+ depletion inside the cell.     

Species differences in sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase activity in the smooth muscle of the guinea-pig and rat vas deferens.

The acitvities of sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-activated ATPase) and ouabain-inhibited, sodium-potassium-activated adensoine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase) in subcellular fractions of guinea-pig and rat vasa deferentia were compared to determine whether the ineffectiveness of ouabain and reduced extracellular potassium in the rat vas deferens observed in the preceding paper occurs because of a relatively low level of Na+,K+-ATPase and/or an insensitivity to ouabain. The results indicate that the specific and total activities of Na+,K+-activated ATPase and Na+,K+-ATPase (i.e., the transport enzyme) in the individual subcellular fractions and in the tissue were higher in the vas deferens of the rat than in the guinea pig. The percentage of inhibition of Na+,K+-activated activity by ouabain (8 x 10(-5) M) varied in the subcellular fractions; it was higher in the guinea-pig (range 31--87%) than in the rat (nonsignificant effect to 40%). A greater percentage of total Na+K+- activated ATPase activity was inhibited in the vas deferens of the guinea pig (56%) than the rat (30%). Differences in the effects of lowered extracellular potassium concentration or ouabain on resting membrane potential (preceding paper) are apparently unrelated to the amount of transport enzyme in the vasa deferentia or the two species, or to its relative sensitivity to ouabain.     

Calcium transport and adenosine triphosphatase activities of erythrocyte membranes in congenital spherocytosis.

Calcium transport from red cells was measured in seventeen patients with congenital or hereditary spherocytosis (HS). The efflux remained at a lower level in resealed ghost cells of patients than in normal cells both in the presence and absence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). We studied the activities of Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase, ouabain-sensitive Na+,K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase and Ca2+-(spectrin-)ATPase in cell membranes prepared by washing the cells with hypotonic medium. The mean +/-SD Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase/Mg2+-ATPase of HS patients was 3.34 +/- 1.06, and 2.81 +/- 0.42 in control subjects. Na+,K+-ATPase/Mg2+-ATPase was 2.38 +/- 0.38 in HS cells compared to 2.01 +/- 0.41 in normal cells. Ca2+-ATPase/Mg2+-ATPase of HS membranes was 0.57 +/- 0.18 and the control value 0.43 +/- 0.08. These data indicate calcium retention in the erythrocytes of HS patients in spite of increases in Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase activity in the majority of patients.     

Cardiac Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase inhibition by ouabain and myocardial sodium: a computer simulation.

The major evidence against the hypothesis that Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+, K+-ATPase) inhibition is the mechanism of the positive inotropic action of digitalis is that the myocardial sodium content does not increase at the time of the inotropic response. In order to understand the relationship between sodium pump inhibition and myocardial sodium content, a computer simulation of the intracellular sodium concentration ([Na+]i) during a cycle of myocardial function was performed. The model for the computer simulation is a small compartment adjacent to the inner surface of the sarcolemma. The change in [Na+]i in this compartment is determined by the rate of sodium influx (published data utilized) and the rate of active sodium transport was estimated from the activities of partially purified dog heart Na+, K+-ATPase preparations assayed with various concentrations of sodium and ouabain. The initial rapid sodium influx results in maximal sodium pump activation, but the pump activity decreases with time as the [Na+]i decreases. Thus, the sodium pump functions at a rate close to its maximal velocity during the initial phase of each cycle but at reduced rates during the later phase. Inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase by ouabain decreases the maximal velocity during the intiial phase of each cycle but at reduced rates during the later phase. Inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase by ouabain decreases the maximal velocity of the sodium pump but increases the time in each cycle at which the sodium pump operates at its highest possible rate under these conditions, i.e., a rate close to the inhibited maximal velocity. A 40% inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase activity, caused by inotropic concentrations of ouabain, increases the peak [Na+]i but fails to cause intracellular sodium accumulation since [Na+]i approaches control levels before the beginning of the next cardiac cycle. With greater enzyme inhibition, caused by arrhythmic concentrations of ouabain, [Na+]i fails to return to the precycle level and thus each subsequent cycle causes a progressive accumulation of myocardial sodium. Computer simulation predicts that a positive inotropic concentration of ouabain causes a myocardial sodium accumulation at a high heart rate but not at a lower heart rate. This was confirmed by experiments with Langendorff preparations of guinea-pig hearts. It is concluded that a moderate sodium pump inhibition by inotropic concentrations of ouabain enhances the intracellular sodium transient (a transient increase in intracellular sodium concentration associated with each membrane excitation) but does not cause a significant myocardial sodium accumulation at normal heart rates. A progressive myocardial sodium accumulation occurs only when the degree of Na+, K+-ATPase inhibition exceeds a critical magnitude.     

Effects of ouabain on contractions induced by manganese ions in C2+a-free, isotonic solutions with varying concentrations of K+ in guinea-pig taenia coli

The action of ouabain, a cell membrane Na+, K+-ATPase blocker, on contractions induced by manganese ions (Mn2+) in Ca2+-free, isotonic solutions with varying concentrations of K+ in the external medium were investigated in order to evaluate the underlying role of external Na+ in Mn2+-induced contractions in isolated taenia coli of the guinea-pig. Mn2+ at 5 mM induced greater contractions as external isotonic K+ concentrations progressively increased from 10 to 100 mM. Ouabain (2 x 10(-4) M) completely inhibited tension development stimulated by 5 mM Mn2+ in isotonic, 30 mM K+ (96 mM Na+) medium. Whereas, the tension inhibitory effects of ouabain became progressively weaker as isotonic, external K+ concentrations increased to 60 mM, which successively decreased external Na+ concentrations. Eventually, ouabain failed to affect contractions stimulated by Mn2+ in isotonic, 126 mM K+, Na+-deficient medium. Ouabain caused progressively greater increase in cellular Na+ concentrations as the Na+ concentrations increased in the isotonic, K+ medium. While, pyruvate, which penetrates cell independently of external Na+, reversed the inhibition of tension by ouabain in isotonic, 30 mM K+, Na+-sufficient (96 mM) medium containing 5 mM Mn2+. These results suggested that Mn2+ induced the contraction, which was maintained by glucose transport depending on external Na+, in the case of Na+-sufficient medium in K+-depolarized taenia coli. However, it induced the contraction independent of external Na+, in the case of Na+-deficient, K+ medium. Ouabain might exhibit greater inhibition of the contraction induced by Mn2+ as the decrease in the Na+ gradient across the cell membranes continues.     

Linkage of aerobic glycolysis to sodium-potassium transport in rat skeletal muscle. Implications for increased muscle lactate production in sepsis.

Although a linkage between aerobic glycolysis and sodium-potassium transport has been demonstrated in diaphragm, vascular smooth muscle, and other cells, it is not known whether this linkage occurs in skeletal muscle generally. Metabolism of intact hind-leg muscles from young rats was studied in vitro under aerobic incubation conditions. When sodium influx into rat extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles was facilitated by the sodium ionophore monensin, muscle weight gain and production of lactate and alanine were markedly stimulated in a dose-dependent manner. Although lactate production rose in both muscles, it was more pronounced in EDL than in soleus. Monensin-induced lactate production was inhibited by ouabain or by incubation in sodium-free medium. Preincubation in potassium-free medium followed by potassium re-addition also stimulated ouabain-inhibitable lactate release. Replacement of glucose in the incubation medium with pyruvate abolished monensin-induced lactate production but exacerbated monensin-induced weight gain. Muscles from septic or endotoxin-treated rats exhibited an increased rate of lactate production in vitro that was partially inhibited by ouabain. Increases muscle lactate production in sepsis may reflect linked increases in activity of the Na+, K+-ATPase, consumption of ATP and stimulation of aerobic glycolysis.     

Cytochemical localization of Na+, K+-ATPase in the rat hepatocyte.

The enzyme Na+,5+-ATPase was cytochemically localized in the rat hepatocyte by a modification of the Ernst potassium-dependent nitrophenyl phosphatase technique. Measurement of nitrophenol release from 50-micrometer liver slices confirmed the presence of ouabain-inhibitable nitrophenyl phosphatase activity that increased over the 30-min incubation period. Electron micrographs demonstrated that sinusoidal and lateral membrane reaction product deposition was K+-dependent, Mg++-dependent, inhibited by ouabain but not by alkaline phosphatase inhibitors, and was localized to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. In contrast, canalicular reaction product was K+-independent, Mg++-dependent, inhibited by alkaline phosphatase inhibitors but not by ouabain, and was localized to the luminal side of the membrane. These findings indicate that Na+,K+-ATPase is localized to the sinusoidal and lateral portions of the rat hepatocyte plasma membrane and is not detectable on the bile canaliculus where alkaline phosphatase is confined. This basolateral localization of Na+,K+-ATPase is similar to that found in epithelia where secretion is also directed across the apical membrane.     

Handling of digoxin and ouabain by renal tubular cells (LLC-PK1).

Digoxin is known to be secreted by renal tubular cells, but the mechanisms are still not fully understood. In this study, we examined renal tubular cell handling of digoxin and ouabain using LLC-PK1 cells, a model of proximal renal tubular cells. The cells were used in suspension for binding experiments and in monolayers on permeable filters for transport studies. The specific binding of digoxin to the cells, presumably to the ouabain binding site (i.e., membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase), were characterized by Kd of 2.6 x 10(-7) M and Bmax (total number of specific binding sites) of 1.6 x 10(6)/cell. Kd and Bmax of ouabain binding were 1.3 x 10(-7) M and 1.9 x 10(6)/cell, respectively. In transport experiments, digoxin showed significantly higher flux than ouabain from the basolateral to the apical side across the cell monolayers. Importantly, this secretory transport was not inhibited by ouabain concentrations sufficient to block membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase and to displace digoxin from the binding site on the enzyme (i.e., 10(-6) to 10(-4) M ouabain). However, the digoxin secretion was decreased by low temperature or excess digoxin in a concentration-dependent manner. These data suggest that digoxin undergoes unidirectional transport in favor of secretion, which does not involve its binding to the ouabain binding sites on membrane Na+,K(+)-ATPase.     

Modifications induced by diabetes on the physicochemical and functional properties of erythrocyte plasma membrane

Increasing evidence suggests that in experimental diabetes an impairment in Na+,K+-ATPase activity plays a central role in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications, while only a few data are available with regard to human subjects. We studied the erythrocyte membrane Na+,K+-ATPase activity and membrane fluidity in insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. A significant decrease in the enzyme activity and in fluorescence polarization values was found in both groups compared with normal subjects. Neither Na+,K+-ATPase activity nor membrane fluidity was found to be related to metabolic control, assessed by means of fasting blood glucose levels and HbA1c. On the contrary, a significant correlation was observed between Na+,K+-ATPase activity and membrane fluidity in both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetic subjects. The present work provides evidence that a reduction in the Na+,K+-ATPase activity is present in the plasma membranes of insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics. Furthermore, it suggests that the change in enzyme activity might be related to modifications in membrane fluidity.     

Role of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in morphine-induced antinociception

We evaluated the modulation by Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitors of morphine-induced antinociception in the tail-flick test and [3H]naloxone binding to forebrain membranes. The antinociception induced by morphine (1-32 mg/kg, s.c.) in mice was dose-dependently antagonized by ouabain (1-10 ng/mouse, i.c.v.), which produced a significant shift to the right of the morphine dose-response curve. The i.c.v. administration of three Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitors (ouabain at 0.1-100, digoxin at 1-1000, and digitoxin at 10-10000 ng/mouse) dose-dependently antagonized the antinociceptive effect of morphine (4 mg/kg, s.c.) in mice, with the following order of potency: ouabain > digoxin > digitoxin. This effect cannot be explained by any interaction at opioid receptors, since none of these Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitors displaced [3H]naloxone from its binding sites, whereas naloxone did so in a concentration-dependent manner. The antinociception induced by morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.) in rats was antagonized by the i.c.v. administration of ouabain at 10 ng/rat, whereas it was not significantly modified by intrathecally administered ouabain (10 and 100 ng/rat). These results suggest that the activation of Na+,K+-ATPase plays a role in the supraspinal, but not spinal, antinociceptive effect of morphine.     

Enhancement of cardiac actions of ouabain and its binding to Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase by increased sodium influx in isolated guinea-pig heart

The rate of development of the positive inotropic action of ouabain is enhanced when the heart is stimulated at higher frequencies. A hypothesis that this enhancement is due to a stimulation of the glycoside binding to sarcolemmal Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) caused by an increase in intracellular Na+ available to the sodium pump was tested in isolated left atrial muscle preparations of guinea-pig heart, incubated at 30 degrees C and electrically stimulated at 0.5, 1 or 2 Hz. The rate of development of the positive inotropic action of ouabain was dependent on the frequency of stimulation. Each preparation was homogenized at a predetermined time and the fractional occupancy of Na+,K+-ATPase by ouabain was estimated from the decrease in the initial velocity of ATP-dependent [3H]ouabain binding reaction. A parallel relationship was observed between effects of stimulation frequency of the positive inotropic action and those on the occupancy of Na+,K+-ATPase by ouabain. In quiescent preparations, a sodium ionophore, monensin, enhanced the development of contracture caused by a toxic concentration of ouabain and also the glycoside binding to Na+,K+-ATPase. Similar effects on the ouabain-induced contracture and on the glycoside binding were observed with either grayanotoxin I or batrachotoxin, agents known to increase sodium influx, when muscle preparations were exposed to these agents under 1.5 Hz stimulation and were subsequently tested for the actions of ouabain in quiescence. When the exposure to ouabain and either grayanotoxin I or batrachotoxin was restricted to quiescent period, the development of ouabain-induced contracture and glycoside binding to Na+,K+-ATPase were not significantly altered. Monensin, grayanotoxin I or batrachotoxin failed to significantly affect [3H]ouabain binding to muscle homogenates when added to the medium for the labeled glycoside binding assay. These results indicate that intracellular sodium ions promote the ouabain binding to Na+,K+-ATPase and thereby enhance the development of glycoside actions in the isolated atrial muscle of guinea-pig heart. The "beat-dependent" onset of the glycoside action is at least partially explained from the effect of membrane depolarization to increase Na+ available to the sodium pump and to enhance the glycoside binding.     

Rubidium-86 uptake and energy metabolism in suspended human erythrocytes monitored by microdialysis

We aimed to develop a model for studying membrane leakiness. A microdialysis technique was used to investigate rubidium-86 (86Rb) uptake in suspended human erythrocytes in vitro, with the aim of later applying the technique to in vivo studies. Suspensions were prepared from washed erythrocytes and 86Rb administered directly or via the microdialysis probe. The effects on 86Rb uptake of varying the haematocrit were measured. Erythrocytes were also treated with the K+ ionophore valinomycin or the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain. The effects on 86Rb uptake, microdialysate content of lactate and pyruvate, and erythrocyte content of 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2,3-BPG) were measured. Valinomycin dissipates the potassium gradient and activates Na+/K+-ATPase, demonstrated by decreased erythrocyte 86Rb uptake with increasing concentrations of valinomycin. This increased ion pump activity enhanced glycolysis, which was demonstrated by accumulation of pyruvate and lactate due to enhanced consumption of 2,3-BPG. The microdialysis technique is appropriate for in vitro studies of ion fluxes across cellular membranes.     

Effect of canrenone on the disturbances of cation handling induced by ouabain in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells

Ouabain induced rapid and profound modifications of Na+ and K+ contents in mouse macrophages and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. In mouse macrophages, we found a one-to-one net Na+ gain and K+ depletion, with a maximal initial rate of 30 to 35 mmol (l X cells X hr)-1 and with an IC50 of about 100 microM. The one-to-one exchange results from at least two additive effects: inhibition of the Na+,K+-pump and stimulation of a furosemide-sensitive, outward Na+,K+-cotransport by the increase in internal Na+ content. The latter effect helps the cell to maintain a normal cell volume in spite of the large changes in internal cation content. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells from rat aorta, ouabain provoked net Na+ gain and stimulated a quinidine-sensitive, K+-efflux. This likely reflects the opening of Ca+-dependent, K+-channels in response to an increase in cytosolic-free Ca+ content. Canrenone, an antihypertensive drug, has been shown to behave like a partial agonist at the digitalisreceptor site of the Na+,K+-pump. We observed here in mouse macrophages and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells that: canrenone alone (or at low ouabain concentrations) induces slight Na+ gain and K+ depletion; canrenone partially counterbalances the very rapid cell Na+ gain (and K+ depletion) provoked by high ouabain concentrations, and canrenone reverses the secondary effects of ouabain on the Na+,K+-cotransport system and Ca+-dependent, K+-channels. It appears therefore that canrenone may partially reverse the disturbances of cation handling induced by high concentrations of ouabain in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells.     

20-Hydroxyeicosa-tetraenoic acid (20 HETE) activates protein kinase C. Role in regulation of rat renal Na+,K+-ATPase.

It is well documented that the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase can be inhibited by the arachidonic acid metabolite, 20-hydroxyeicosa-tetraenoic acid (20 HETE). Evidence is presented here that this effect is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC). PKC inhibitors abolished 20 HETE inhibition of rat Na+,K+-ATPase in renal tubular cells. 20 HETE caused translocation of PKC alpha from cytoplasm to membrane in COS cells. It also inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase activity in COS cells transfected with rat wild-type renal Na+,K+-ATPase alpha1 subunit, but not in cells transfected with Na+,K+-ATPase alpha1, where the PKC phosphorylation site, serine 23, had been mutated to alanine. PKC-induced phosphorylation of rat renal Na+,K+-ATPase, as well as of histone was strongly enhanced by 20 HETE at the physiologic calcium concentration of 1.3 microM, but not at the calcium concentration of 200 microM. The results indicate that phospholipase A2-arachidonic acid-20 HETE pathway can exert important biological effects via activation of PKC and that this effect may occur in the absence of a rise in intracellular calcium.     

Major parietal cell antigen in autoimmune gastritis with pernicious anemia is the acid-producing H+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase of the stomach.

In autoimmune gastritis antibodies against a membrane-bound parietal cell antigen of previously unknown function are present in the sera of patients. In this study, a vesicular membrane preparation of porcine gastric mucosa cells was found to be a potent antigenic source. This preparation blocked greater than 90% of antibody binding to a lysate of gastric mucosa cells. The membrane fraction contained H+,K+-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.36) as the major protein, which in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis migrated with a weight of 92 kD. After reduction and alkylation, this component was resolved into two bands of similar staining intensity (92 and 88 kD). Immunoblotting analysis showed that sera of patients recognized antigen with pattern identical to the major protein of the vesicular membranes. Protein A-Sepharose beads preincubated with immunoglobulins of five individual patient (but not control) sera were all found to reduce both the H+,K+-ATPase activity and the amount of parietal cell antigen of a preparation of vesicular membranes solubilized in n-octylglucoside. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that the major parietal cell antigen is identical to the acid-producing enzyme, H+,K+-ATPase, of the parietal cell.     

Reduced brain Na+, K+-ATPase activity in rats with galactosamine-induced hepatic failure: relationship to encephalopathy and cerebral oedema

Previously we have shown that sera from patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) will inhibit partially purified rat brain Na+, K+-ATPase and sodium efflux from human leucocytes in vitro. Similar inhibition may be involved in the pathogenesis of encephalopathy and cerebral oedema in these patients. In the present study we have attempted to establish whether the activity of brain Na+, K+-ATPase is decreased in vivo in rats with D-galactosamine induced hepatic failure using homogenates of snap-frozen brains. Na+, K+-ATPase activity was significantly reduced in the forebrain region at the stage of mild encephalopathy (43 h after injection), while at the deeper stage of coma (43-53 h after injection) enzyme activity was further reduced in the forebrain region and was also significantly reduced in the hindbrain region. Ouabain insensitive ATPase activity was not significantly altered at any time. While a significant increase in the water content (0.5%) of the hindbrain region was found 43 h after galactosamine, there was no clear correlation between the development of cerebral oedema and the reduction of Na+, K+-ATPase activity. The activity of partially purified normal rat brain Na+, K+-ATPase was 15% lower when incubated with sera from rats in the deep stage of coma compared with control sera. These data support other evidence that the reduction in brain Na+, K+-ATPase is likely to be due to toxic substance circulating in serum which have been shown to inhibit this enzyme in vitro and to cause coma when administered to normal animals.     

Potassium, Na+-K+ pump inhibitor and low-renin hypertension

A local increase in extracellular potassium concentration [K+]o, up to about 8 mEq/liter, by topical application or intra-arterial infusion of iso-osmotic solutions of K+ salts, causes arteriolar dilation and decreased resistance to blood flow in systemic vascular beds. A local decrease in [K+]o over physiologic ranges induces arteriolar constriction and increased resistance to blood flow. K+ vasodilation is accompanied by hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle cell, whereas the vasoconstriction is accompanied by depolarization. All of these responses can be blocked by ouabain, a potent Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor. Thus it is thought that K+ vasodilation results from stimulation of the electrogenic Na+-K+ pump, and that the constriction results from its inhibition. Acute generalized inhibition of the Na+,K+-ATPase and Na+-K+ pump (hypokalemia, strophanthidin, methylguanidine, vanadate) in the anesthetized dog can raise blood pressure. In experiments in animals, myocardial Na+,K+-ATPase and vascular Na+-K+ pump activities were decreased in low-renin hypertension, and vascular Na+-K+ pump activity was decreased following acute volume expansion, changes associated with bioassay evidence of a Na+-K+ pump inhibitor in the plasma. The inhibitor appears to arise in, or to be influenced by the area of the anteroventral third ventricle of the brain. It induces electrogenic depolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells and may inhibit norepinephrine uptake by adrenergic nerve terminals. Potassium and a circulating endogenous Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor of unknown molecular structure may partly regulate the mechanical activity of cardiovascular muscle and participate in the genesis of certain forms of hypertension. Potassium may be of value in the prevention and therapy of hypertension, partly by virtue of its vasodilator activity.     

Digitalis toxicity: lack of marked effect on brain na+,k+-adenosine triphosphatase in the cat.

Effect of digitalis on central sympathetic neurons have been proposed to alter sympathetic influences on the heart and to contribute to the induction of arrhythmias. Recently, however, we have presented evidence which indicates that the involvement of a direct central action of digitalis is negligible in the alteration of sympathetic nerve activity after i.v. administration of the drug. Thus, a group of experiments were designed to determine if central drug concentrations or biochemical events in the brain would suggest a central action of the drug. Tritiated digoxin (20 microng/kg) was injected i.v. into cats every 15 minutes until ventricular fibrillation occurred. The concentrations of digoxin in cerebrospinal fluid and serum increased linearly with time as the cumulative dose of digoxin was increased. At the mean arrhythmic dose, 140 microng/kg, cerebrospinal fluid contained approximately 10 nM digoxin whereas free digoxin concentration in serum was approximately 30 nM and total digoxin concentration in serum was approximately 120 nM. Since inhibition of Na+,K+-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase) is often associated with the pharmacological effects of digitalis, effects of nanomolar concentrations of digoxin on Na+,K+-ATPase activity were determined in vitro. The concentration of digoxin faund in cerebrospinal fluid at arrhythmia inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase only slightly (5-10%). Activity of Na+,K+-ATP-ase was also examined in brains of cats which had died in ventricular arrhythmias due to treatment with lethal dose of digitoxin. After ventricular fibrillation, the cat brains were removed and Na+,K+-ATPase activity and ouabain binding were determined in eight areas. No reduction in Na+,K+-ATPase activity or [3H]ouabain binding was observed in any area. Thus, it appeared that toxic doses of digitalis did not cause sail to provide evidence for central effects of toxic doses of digoxin or digitoxin.     

(Na+, K+)-ATPase regulation and NaCl intake: effects on circulating inhibitor and sensitivity to noradrenaline

These experiments examined the effects of a high NaCl diet on (Na+,K+)-ATPase in kidney, heart and cerebral cortex, on the level of circulating inhibitor of (Na+,K+)-ATPase in plasma, and on stimulation of (Na+,K+)-ATPase by treatment with dextro (d)-amphetamine. High salt diet increased indices of (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity (K+-activated p-nitrophenyl-phosphatase activity and ouabain binding) in kidney medulla, prevented stimulation by amphetamine in cerebral cortex and reduced amphetamine stimulation in heart. High NaCl feeding increased the plasma level of circulating inhibitor of (Na+,K+)-ATPase. Amphetamine alone had no effect on inhibitor level but amphetamine administration reduced the increase in inhibitor with high NaCl feeding.