Palytoxin binds to and inhibits kidney and erythrocyte Na+, K+-ATPase

Summary Hog kidney Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, purified to the microsomal stage and activated with detergent, binds palytoxin, as shown by the nearly complete competition of the toxin with ³H-ouabain. The K _i-values of palytoxin, but not of ouabain, depend on the protein concentration; this indicates additional binding sites for the toxin on kidney membranes. — Palytoxin inhibits the enzymatic activity of the detergent-activated preparation nearly completely (IC₅₀ 8·10^–7 mol/l). Inhibition of ATPase activity and of ouabain binding are promoted by borate, a known activator of palytoxin. — Palytoxin also inhibits the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase of erythrocyte ghosts in the same dose range.The data are discussed in context with the hypothesis (Chhatwal et al. 1983) that palytoxin raises the cellular permeability by altering the state of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase or its environment.Part of the thesis (Dr. rer. nat.) of H. Böttinger     

Na+/K+-ATPase α subunits as new targets in anticancer therapy

Background: The sodium pump (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) could be a target for the development of anticancer drugs as it serves as a signal transducer, it is a player in cell adhesion and its aberrant expression and activity are implicated in the development and progression of different cancers. Cardiotonic steroids (CS) are the natural ligands and inhibitors of the sodium pump and this supports the possibility of their development as anticancer agents targeting overexpressed Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α subunits. Objectives: To highlight and further develop the concept of using Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 and α3 subunits as targets in anticancer therapy and to address the question of the actual usefulness of further developing CS as anticancer agents. Conclusions: Targeting overexpressed Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α subunits using novel CS might open a new era in anticancer therapy and bring the concept of personalized medicine from aspiration to reality. Clinical data are now needed to further support this proposal. Furthermore, future medicinal chemistry should optimize new anticancer CS to target Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α subunits with the aim of rendering them more potent and less toxic.     

Inhibition of Na+-pump enhances carbachol-induced influx of 45Ca2+ and secretion of catecholamines by elevation of cellular accumulation of 22Na+ in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells

Summary In bovine adrenal medullary cells, we reported that ²²Na⁺ influx via nicotinic receptor-associated Na⁺ channels is involved in ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx, a requisite for initiating the secretion of catecholamines (Wada et al. 1984, 1985b).In the present study, we investigated whether the inhibition of Na⁺-pump modulates carbachol-induced ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion in cultured bovine adrenal medullary cells. We also measured ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake by the cells to estimate the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase. (1) Ouabain and extracellular K⁺ deprivation remarkably potentiated carbachol-induced ²²Na⁺ influx, ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion; this potentiation of carbachol-induced ⁴⁵Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion was not observed in Na⁺ free medium. (2) Carbachol increased the uptake of ⁸⁶Rb⁺; this increase was inhibited by hexamethonium and d-tubocurarine. In Na⁺ free medium, carbachol failed to increase ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake. (3) Ouabain inhibited carbachol-induced ⁸⁶Rb⁺ uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, as it increased the accumulation of cellular ²²Na⁺. These results suggest that Na⁺ influx via nicotinic receptor-associated Na⁺ channels increases the activity of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and the inhibition of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase augmented carbachol-induced Ca²⁺ influx and catecholamine secretion by potentiating cellular accumulation of Na⁺. It seems that nicotinic receptor-associated Na⁺ channels and Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, both modulate the influx of Ca²⁺ and secretion of catecholamines by accomodating cellular concentration of Na⁺.     

Effects of monovalent cations on cardiac Na+, K+-ATPase activity and on contractile force

Summary The relationship between Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase inhibition by monovalent cations and their inotropic effect was studied in guinea pig hearts. The activity of partially purified cardiac enzyme was assayed in the presence of 5.8 mM KCl and either 20 or 150 mM NaCl. Rb⁺ and Tl⁺ inhibited Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity, the magnitude of the inhibition by these cations being greater in the assay media containing lower Na⁺ concentrations. Tl⁺ produced a dose-dependent inhibition of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity in the presence of 20 mM Na⁺ and 75 mM K⁺, a cationic condition similar to that of intracellular fluid. Other monovalent cations such as K⁺, Cs⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Na⁺ or Li⁺ produced essentially no effect on the Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity or slightly stimulated it. In left atrial strips stimulated with field electrodes and bathed in Krebs-Henseleit solution (5.8 mM K⁺ and 145 mM Na⁺), addition of Cs⁺ failed to alter the isometric contractile force significantly. NH₄ ⁺ and K⁺ caused a transient positive inotropic effect which was partially blocked by propranolol. The positive inotropic response to K⁺ was followed by a negative inotropic response. Rb⁺ produced a sustained, dose-dependent inotropic response reaching a plateau at 1–2 min, whereas Tl⁺ produced a dose-dependent positive inotropic effect which developed slowly over a 30-min period. The positive inotropic effects produced by Rb⁺ and Tl⁺ were insensitive to propranolol pretreatment. Concentrations of Tl⁺ and cardiac glycosides which produce similar inotropic effects appear to cause the same degree of Na⁺-pump inhibition. The onset of the positive inotropic response to Rb⁺ or Tl⁺ was not dependent on the number of contractions which is in contrast to the cardiac glycoside-induced inotropic response. Substitution of 20 mM LiCl for an equimolar amount of NaCl in Krebs-Henseleit solution produced a significantly greater inotropic response than that observed when sucrose was substituted for NaCl. It appears that, among monovalent cations, only sodium pump inhibitors produce a sustained positive inotropic response.     

Steroid-like compounds in Chinese medicines promote blood circulation via inhibition of Na^＋/K^＋- ATPase

Aim:

To examine if steroid-like compounds found in many Chinese medicinal products conventionally used for the promotion of blood circulation may act as active components via the same molecular mechanism triggered by cardiac glycosides, such as ouabain.

Methods:

The inhibitory potency of ouabain and the identified steroid-like compounds on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was examined and compared. Molecular modeling was exhibited for the docking of these compounds to Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase.

Results:

All the examined steroid-like compounds displayed more or less inhibition on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, with bufalin (structurally almost equivalent to ouabain) exhibiting significantly higher inhibitory potency than the others. In the pentacyclic triterpenoids examined, ursolic acid and oleanolic acid were moderate inhibitors of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, and their inhibitory potency was comparable to that of ginsenoside Rh2. The relatively high inhibitory potency of ursolic acid or oleanolic acid was due to the formation of a hydrogen bond between its carboxyl group and the Ile322 residue in the deep cavity close to two K⁺ binding sites of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. Moreover, the drastic difference observed in the inhibitory potency of ouabain, bufalin, ginsenoside Rh2, and pentacyclic triterpenoids is ascribed mainly to the number of hydrogen bonds and partially to the strength of hydrophobic interaction between the compounds and residues around the deep cavity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase.

Conclusion:

Steroid-like compounds seem to contribute to therapeutic effects of many cardioactive Chinese medicinal products. Chinese herbs, such as Prunella vulgaris L, rich in ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and their glycoside derivatives may be adequate sources for cardiac therapy via effective inhibition on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase.     

柴胡皂甙和甘草甜素抑制Na+,K+-ATP酶活性的构效关系

研究在离体条件下各种单体柴胡皂甙和甘草甜素抑制Na⁺,K⁺-ATP酶活性的构效关系。实验结果表明,各种柴胡皂甙抑制Na⁺,K⁺-ATP酶活性的作用强度依次为:b₁>d>b₂>b₄>a>b₃>e>c。柴胡皂甙化学结构中的C₂₃-OH,C₁₆-OH及C₁₁和C₁₃的共轭双烯可能对其抑制活性起重要作用。甘草甜素(GL),甘草次酸(GA)和生胃酮(18-β-甘草次酸半琥珀酸双钠盐,CX)抑制Na⁺,K⁺-ATP酶活性的作用强度依次为GA≥CX>GL。研究还证明,柴胡皂甙d对Na⁺,K⁺-ATP酶的抑制为非竟争性抑制。     

Effect of sugar positions in ginsenosides and their inhibitory potency on Na+/K+-ATPase activity

Aim:

To determine whether ginsenosides with various sugar attachments may act as active components responsible for the cardiac therapeutic effects of ginseng and sanqi (the roots of Panax ginseng and Panax notoginseng) via the same molecular mechanism triggered by cardiac glycosides, such as ouabain and digoxin.

Methods:

The structural similarity between ginsenosides and ouabain was analyzed. The inhibitory potency of ginsenosides and ouabain on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was examined and compared. Molecular modeling was exhibited for the docking of ginsenosides to Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase.

Results:

Ginsenosides with sugar moieties attached only to the C-3 position of the steroid-like structure, equivalent to the sugar position in cardiac glycosides, and possessed inhibitory potency on Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity. However, their inhibitory potency was significantly reduced or completely abolished when a monosaccharide was linked to the C-6 or C-20 position of the steroid-like structure; replacement of the monosaccharide with a disaccharide molecule at either of these positions caused the disappearance of the inhibitory potency. Molecular modeling and docking confirmed that the difference in Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase inhibitory potency among ginsenosides was due to the steric hindrance of sugar attachment at the C-6 and C-20 positions of the steroid-like structure.

Conclusion:

The cardiac therapeutic effects of ginseng and sanqi should be at least partly attributed to the effective inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase by their metabolized ginsenosides with sugar moieties attached only to the C-3 position of the steroid-like structure.     

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate is an inhibitor of Na,K-ATPase by favoring the E1 conformation

Four catechins, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, and epicatechin, inhibited activity of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. The two galloyl-type catechins were more potent inhibitors, with IC₅₀ values of about 1 μM, than were the other two catechins. Inhibition by epigallocatechin-3-gallate was noncompetitive with respect to ATP. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate reduced the affinity of vanadate, shifted the equilibrium of E₁P and E₂P toward E₁P, and reduced the rate of the E₁P to E₂P transition. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate potently inhibited membrane-embedded P-type ATPases (gastric H⁺,K⁺-ATPase and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase) as well as the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase, whereas soluble ATPases (bacterial F₁-ATPase and myosin ATPase) were weakly inhibited. Solubilization of the Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase with a nonionic detergent reduced sensitivity to epigallocatechin-3-gallate with an elevation of IC₅₀ to 10 μM. These results suggest that epigallocatechin-3-gallate exerts its inhibitory effect through interaction with plasma membrane phospholipid.     

Inhibition of Na+, K+-ATPase in rat renal proximal tubules by dopamine involved DA-1 receptor activation

Summary Endogenous kidney dopamine (DA) causes natriuresis and diuresis, at least partly, via inhibition of proximal tubular Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. The present study was done to identify the dopamine receptor subtype(s) involved in dopamine-induced inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. Suspensions of renal proximal tubules from Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated with dopamine, the DA-1 receptor agonist fenoldopam or the DA-2 receptor agonist SK&F 89124 in the presence or absence of either the DA-1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 or the DA-2 receptor antagonist domperidone. Dopamine and fenoldopam (10^–5 to 10^–8 mol/1) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity. However, SK&F 89124 failed to produce any significant effect over the same concentration range. Incubation with fenoldopam (10^–5 to 10^–8 mol/1) in the presence of SK&F 89124 (10^–6 mol/l) inhibited Na+,K+-ATPase activity to a degree similar to that with fenoldopam alone. Furthermore, DA-induced inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity was attenuated by SCH 23390, but not by domperidone. Since -adrenoceptor activation is reported to stimulate Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity and, at higher concentrations, dopamine also acts as an a-adrenoceptor agonist, the potential opposing effect from -adrenoceptor activation on DA-induced inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity was investigated by using the -adrenoceptor blocker phentolamine. We found that, in the lower concentration range (10^–5 to 10^–7 mol/1), dopamine-induced inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity in the presence of phentolamine was similar in magnitude to that observed with dopamine alone. However, at the highest concentration used (10^–4 mol/1), dopamine produced a significantly larger degree of inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity in the presence of phentolamine. These results indicate that the DA-1 dopamine receptor subtype, but not the DA-2 receptor subtype, is involved in dopamine-mediated inhibition of Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase. At higher concentrations of dopamine, the DA-1 receptor-mediated inhibitory effect on Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity may be partly opposed by a simultaneous -adrenoceptor-mediated stimulation of the activity of this enzyme.     

Insulin induced translocation of Na^＋/K^＋-ATPase is decreased in the heart of streptozotocin diabetic rats

Aim:

To investigate the effect of acute insulin administration on the subcellular localization of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase isoforms in cardiac muscle of healthy and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods:

Membrane fractions were isolated with subcellular fractionation and with cell surface biotinylation technique. Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase subunit isoforms were analysed with ouabain binding assay and Western blotting. Enzyme activity was measured using 3-O-methylfluorescein-phosphatase activity.

Results:

In control rat heart muscle α1 isoform of Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase resides mainly in the plasma membrane fraction, while α2 isoform in the intracellular membrane pool. Diabetes decreased the abundance of α1 isoform (25 %, P<0.05) in plasma membrane and α2 isoform (50%, P<0.01) in the intracellular membrane fraction. When plasma membrane fractions were isolated by discontinuous sucrose gradients, insulin-stimulated translocation of α2- but not α1-subunits was detected. α1-Subunit translocation was only detectable by cell surface biotinylation technique. After insulin administration protein level of α2 increased by 3.3-fold, α1 by 1.37-fold and β1 by 1.51-fold (P<0.02) in the plasma membrane of control, and less than 1.92-fold (P<0.02), 1.19-fold (not significant) and 1.34-fold (P<0.02) in diabetes. The insulin-induced translocation was wortmannin sensitive.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrate that insulin influences the plasma membrane localization of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase isoforms in the heart. α2 isoform translocation is the most vulnerable to the reduced insulin response in diabetes. α1 isoform also translocates in response to insulin treatment in healthy rat. Insulin mediates Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1- and α2-subunit translocation to the cardiac muscle plasma membrane via a PI3-kinase-dependent mechanism.     

Enhancing the potency of lithospermate B for inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase activity by forming transition metal ion complexes

Aim:

To determine whether replacing Mg²⁺ in magnesium lithospermate B (Mg-LSB) isolated from danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) with other metal ions could affect its potency in inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity.

Methods:

Eight metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Zn²⁺) were used to form complexes with LSB. The activity of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase was determined by measuring the amount of inorganic phosphate (Pi) liberated from ATP. Human adrenergic neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y was used to assess the intracellular Ca²⁺ level fluctuation and cell viability. The metal binding site on LSB and the binding mode of the metal-LSB complexes were detected by NMR and visible spectroscopy, respectively.

Results:

The potencies of LSB complexed with Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, or Ni²⁺ increased by approximately 5 times compared to the naturally occurring LSB and Mg-LSB. The IC₅₀ values of Cr-LSB, Mn-LSB, Co-LSB, Ni-LSB, LSB, and Mg-LSB in inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity were 23, 17, 26, 25, 101, and 128 μmol/L, respectively. After treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with the transition metal-LSB complexes (25 μmol/L), the intracellular Ca²⁺ level was substantially elevated, and the cells were viable for one day. The transition metals, as exemplified by Co²⁺, appeared to be coordinated by two carboxylate groups and one carbonyl group of LSB. Titration of LSB against Co²⁺ demonstrated that the Co-LSB complex was formed with a Co²⁺:LSB molar ratio of 1:2 or 1:1, when [Co²⁺] was less than half of the [LSB] or higher than the [LSB], respectively.

Conclusion:

LSB complexed with Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, or Ni²⁺ are stable, non-toxic and more potent in inhibition of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. The transition metal-LSB complexes have the potential to be superior substitutes for cardiac glycosides in the treatment of congestive heart failure.     

Role of Na+-K+ ATPase enzyme in vascular response of goat ruminal artery

Objective:

To study the role of Na⁺, K⁺- ATPase enzyme in the vascular response of goat ruminal artery.

Materials and Methods:

Ruminal artery was obtained in chilled aerated modified Krebs-Henseleit solution (KHS) from a local slaughterhouse and transported in ice for further processing. The endothelium intact arterial ring was mounted in a thermostatically controlled (37 ± 0.5°C) organ bath containing 20 ml of modified KHS (pH 7.4) bubbled with oxygen (95%) and CO₂ (5%) under 2g tension. An equilibration of 90 min was allowed before addition of drugs into the bath. The responses were recorded isometrically in an automatic organ bath connected to PowerLab data acquisition system. In order to examine intact functional endothelium, ACh (10 μM) was added on the 5-HT (1.0 μM) - induced sustained contractile response. Similarly, functional characterization of Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase activity was done by K⁺-induced relaxation (10 μM-10 mM) in the absence and presence of ouabain (0.1 μM/ 0.1 mM), digoxin (0.1 μM) and barium (30 μM).

Results:

ACh (10⁻⁵ M) did not produce any relaxing effect on 5-HT-induced sustained contractile response suggesting that vascular endothelium has no significant influence on the activation of sodium pump by extracellular K⁺ in ruminal artery. Low concentration of Ba²⁺ (30 μM) (IC₅₀: 0.479 mM) inhibited K⁺-induced relaxation suggesting K_ir (inward rectifier) channel in part had role in K⁺-induced vasodilatation in ruminal artery. Vasorelaxant effect of KCl (10 μM-10 mM) in K⁺-free medium is also blocked by ouabain (0.1 μM and 0.1 mM) (IC₅₀:0.398 mM and IC₃₅: 1.36 mM), but not by digoxin (0.1 μM) (IC₅₀ 0.234 mM) suggesting that ouabain sensitive Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase isoform is present in the ruminal artery.

Conclusion:

In the goat ruminal artery functional regulation of sodium pump is partly mediated by K⁺ channel and ouabain sensitive Na⁺, K⁺ ATPase.     

Amiloride analogues induce responses in isolated rat cardiovascular tissues by inhibition of Na+/Ca2+ exchange

Summary The role of inhibition of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange in the positive inotropic, negative chronotropic and vasorelaxant responses to amiloride and some of its analogues was investigated in isolated cardiovascular tissues from female Wistar rats. The compounds tested were amiloride, 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (EIPA, a potent inhibitor of Na⁺/H⁺ exchange), phenamil and 2,4-dimethylbenzamil (DMB), both potent Na⁺ channel inhibitors with activity against Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange, and 5-(N-4-chlorobenzyl)-2,4-dimethylbenzamil (CBDMB), a potent inhibitor of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange with reduced activity against Na⁺ channels compared with its parent compound DMB.Phenamil, DMB and CBDMB increased the force of contraction of right ventricular papillary muscles with similar potencies (-log EC₅₀ values: 4.77 ± 0.06, 5.09 ± 0.09, 4.97 ± 0.17 respectively), while amiloride and EIPA gave small negative inotropic responses. All compounds gave negative chronotropic responses at similar concentrations to those which exerted inotropic effects. Inhibition of KCl contraction of endothelium-free aortic rings was observed with all compounds tested. Phenamil, DMB and CBDMB but not amiloride or EIPA showed a shift to the left of the concentration-response curves in the presence of intact endothelium.These results provide further evidence for positive inotropic and endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effects of amiloride analogues mediated by inhibition of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchange. Send offprint requests to J. R. Bourke at the above address     

Inhibition of human colonic (Na++K+)-ATPase by arachidonic and linoleic acid

Summary The sodium pump, (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase, which is involved in the transport of cations and water movement by the colonic mucosa, may be decreased in various diarrhoeal states. In this study, we have measured ³H-ouabain binding and (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase activity in human colonic biopsy homogenates and the influence of various inflammatory and antiinflammatory compounds on these parameters. ³H-ouabain binds to one site of high affinity (K _D 1.9±0.2×10^–9 mol/l) with a maximal binding capacity of 7.5±0.8×10¹⁴ binding sites/g protein. Both arachidonic and linoleic acid inhibited (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase activity (IC₅₀ arachidonic acid: 7.5×10^–5 mol/l, linoleic acid: 6.5×10^–5 mol/l) and Mg²⁺-ATPase activity (IC₅₀ arachidonic acid: 9×10^–5 mol/l, linoleic acid: 4×10^–5 mol/l). Arachidonic acid inhibited ³H-ouabain binding, (IC₅₀ 3.2×10^–5 mol/l). The following antiinflammatory compounds, at concentrations up to 1×10^–3 mol/l, did not influence ATPase activity directly nor reverse the arachidonic acid-induced inhibition: indomethacin (cyclooxygenase inhibitor), nordihydroguaretic acid (lipoxygenase inhibitor), sulphasalazine and its metabolites: 5-aminosalicylic acid, N-acetylaminosalicylic acid and sulphapyridine.These results indicate that human colonic (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase is inhibited by the prostanoid precursors, arachidonic and linoleic acid. From a therapeutic point of view (effect on colonic (Na⁺+K⁺)-ATPase and perhaps diarrhoea), the suppression of the production of these prostanoid precursors by drugs may, therefore, be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.Supported by DFG (Er65/4-4)     

Effect of heparin treatment on the expression and activity of different ion-motive P-type ATPase isoforms from mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle during degeneration and regeneration after Bothrops jararacussu venom injection

Ca²⁺ ions are essential to myonecrosis, a serious complication of snake envenomation, and heparin seems to counteract this effect. We investigated the effect of local injection of Bothrops jararacussu venom in mouse fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle, without or with heparin, on functional/molecular alterations of two central proteins involved in intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis, sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase. EDL-specific SERCA1 isoform expression dropped significantly just after venom administration (up to 60% compared to control EDL values at days 1 and 3; p < 0.05) while SERCA2 and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α₁ isoform expression increased at the same time (3-6- and 2-3-fold, respectively; p < 0.05). Although not significant, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α₂ isoform followed the same trend. Except for SERCA2, all proteins reached basal levels at the 7th day. Intravenous heparin treatment did not affect these profiles. Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was also decreased during the first days after venom injection, but here heparin was effective to reinstate activity to control levels within 3 days. We also showed that B. jararacussu venom directly inhibited Ca²⁺-ATPase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results indicate that EDL SERCA and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase are importantly affected by B. jararacussu venom and heparin has protective effect on activity but not on protein expression.     

Chronic digoxin treatment on canine myocardial Na+, K+-ATPase

Summary In order to determine whether a prolonged inhibition of cardiac Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase causes a compensatory or adaptive change in this enzyme, the relationships among serum digoxin concentration, binding of digoxin to the enzyme and cardiac Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and sodium pump activity were studied in dogs chronically treated with digoxin. Digoxin was injected intravenously twice daily up to 4 weeks. Two hours after the injection of a single non-toxic dose of digoxin, Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and sodium pump activities were inhibited quantitatively in a manner corresponding to the binding of digoxin to the enzyme. The magnitude of sodium pump inhibition was reduced 12 h after the digoxin injection, with simultaneous decreases in serum digoxin concentration and the binding of digoxin to the enzyme. After 1 or 4 weeks of digoxin treatment with non-toxic doses, the relationships among serum digoxin concentration, binding of digoxin to cardiac Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase and the degree of cardiac Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase or sodium pump inhibition remained unchanged. The magnitude of the inhibition was related to serum digoxin concentrations and digoxin binding to cardiac Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, in a manner similar to that observed after a single digoxin injection. After 4 weeks of digoxin treatment with toxic doses, these relationships were also unaffected. It was concluded that prolonged digoxin treatment fails to alter the inhibition of myocardial Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase by this agent.This work was supported by U.S. Public Health Service Grant HL-16052.     

N-arachidonoyl glycine suppresses Na+/Ca2+ exchanger-mediated Ca2+ entry into endothelial cells and activates BKCa channels independently of GPCRs

Background and Purpose

N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly) is a lipoamino acid with vasorelaxant properties. We aimed to explore the mechanisms of NAGly''s action on unstimulated and agonist-stimulated endothelial cells.

Experimental Approach

The effects of NAGly on endothelial electrical signalling were studied in combination with vascular reactivity.

Key Results

In EA.hy926 cells, the sustained hyperpolarization to histamine was inhibited by the non-selective Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor bepridil and by an inhibitor of reversed mode NCX, KB-R7943. In cells dialysed with Cs⁺-based Na⁺-containing solution, the outwardly rectifying current with typical characteristics of NCX was augmented following histamine exposure, further increased upon external Na⁺ withdrawal and inhibited by bepridil. NAGly (0.3–30 μM) suppressed NCX currents in a URB597- and guanosine 5′-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (GDPβS)-insensitive manner, [Ca²⁺]_i elevation evoked by Na⁺ removal and the hyperpolarization to histamine. In rat aorta, NAGly opposed the endothelial hyperpolarization and relaxation response to ACh. In unstimulated EA.hy926 cells, NAGly potentiated the whole-cell current attributable to large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ (BK_Ca) channels in a GDPβS-insensitive, paxilline-sensitive manner and produced a sustained hyperpolarization. In cell-free inside-out patches, NAGly stimulated single BK_Ca channel activity.

Conclusion and Implications

Our data showed that NCX is a Ca²⁺ entry pathway in endothelial cells and that NAGly is a potent G-protein-independent modulator of endothelial electrical signalling and has a dual effect on endothelial electrical responses. In agonist pre-stimulated cells, NAGly opposes hyperpolarization and relaxation via inhibition of NCX-mediated Ca²⁺ entry, while in unstimulated cells, it promotes hyperpolarization via receptor-independent activation of BK_Ca channels.     

Specific activity and sensitivity to strophanthin of the Na+ + K+-activated ATPase in rats and guinea-pigs with hypoadrenalism

Summary In adrenalectomised rats and in guinea-pigs pretreated with metyrapone the specific activity of the Na⁺ + K⁺-stimulated ATPase of heart and kidney is significantly diminished, whereas the activity of the Mg⁺⁺-ATPase remains unchanged. The specific activity of the Na⁺ + K⁺-stimulated ATPase from brain tissue is not influenced by either adrenalectomy or by treatment with metyrapone.The sensitivity of the Na⁺ + K⁺-stimulated ATPase of heart, brain and kidney to k-strophanthin remains unchanged by adrenalectomy or by treatment with metyrapone.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (SFB 30, Kardiologie).     

Cardiac glycosides: Correlations among Na+, K+-ATPase,sodium pump and contractility in the guinea pig heart

Summary Relationships among positive inotropic response to cardiac glycosides, Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase inhibition and monovalent cation pump activities were studied using paced Langendorff preparations of guinea-pig heart. Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase activity was estimated from the initial velocity of (³H)-ouabain binding in ventricular homogenates, and cation pump activity from ouabain-sensitive ⁸⁶Rb uptake of ventricular slices. These parameters were assayed in control, ouabain- or digitoxintreated hearts either at the time of inotropic response to the cardiac glycosides or during the course of drug washout. Development and loss of the inotropic response during ouabain or digitoxin perfusion and washout was accompanied by reduction and subsequent recovery of the initial ouabain binding velocity, respectively. If homogenates from glycoside-treated hearts were incubated at 37°C for 10 min during ouabain-binding studies, the levels of binding were not different from those of control hearts, indicating a rapid dissociation of the glycosides from cardiac Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase in this species. Despite differences in the time course of the loss of inotropic responses produced by ouabain or digitoxin, the relationship between Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase inhibition and inotropic responses were similar. Inotropic responses to digitoxin during perfusion, and subsequent los during washout, also were accompanied by a reduction and subsequent recovery of ⁸⁶Rb uptake. A correlation between inhibition of cation pump activity and positive inotropy has hitherto not been demonstrated. Thus, it appears that with cardiac glycosides, a relationship exists among contractility, cardiac Na⁺,K⁺-ATPase and monovalent cation pump activities.     

Activation of K+ channels and Na+/K+ ATPase prevents aortic endothelial dysfunction in 7-day lead-treated rats

Seven day exposure to a low concentration of lead acetate increases nitric oxide bioavailability suggesting a putative role of K⁺ channels affecting vascular reactivity. This could be an adaptive mechanism at the initial stages of toxicity from lead exposure due to oxidative stress. We evaluated whether lead alters the participation of K⁺ channels and Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) on vascular function. Wistar rats were treated with lead (1st dose 4 μg/100 g, subsequent doses 0.05 μg/100 g, im, 7 days) or vehicle. Lead treatment reduced the contractile response of aortic rings to phenylephrine (PHE) without changing the vasodilator response to acetylcholine (ACh) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Furthermore, this treatment increased basal O₂⁻ production, and apocynin (0.3 μM), superoxide dismutase (150 U/mL) and catalase (1000 U/mL) reduced the response to PHE only in the treated group. Lead also increased aortic functional NKA activity evaluated by K⁺-induced relaxation curves. Ouabain (100 μM) plus L-NAME (100 μM), aminoguanidine (50 μM) or tetraethylammonium (TEA, 2 mM) reduced the K⁺-induced relaxation only in lead-treated rats. When aortic rings were precontracted with KCl (60 mM/L) or preincubated with TEA (2 mM), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 5 mM), iberiotoxin (IbTX, 30 nM), apamin (0.5 μM) or charybdotoxin (0.1 μM), the ACh-induced relaxation was more reduced in the lead-treated rats. Additionally, 4-AP and IbTX reduced the relaxation elicited by SNP more in the lead-treated rats. Results suggest that lead treatment promoted NKA and K⁺ channels activation and these effects might contribute to the preservation of aortic endothelial function against oxidative stress.